Fraud Type

Money Mules / Laundering

1,906 articles in this category. Showing most recent 200.

dailynews.co.za · 2026-03-22
Romance ScamS hock: Three Accused of Swindling R14 Million from Elderly Woman in ...
Three suspected romance swindlers appeared in the Muizenberg Magistrate's Court on Thursday for their fraud and money laundering scheme, which cost an unsuspecting victim over R14 ...
Romance Scams Investment Fraud General Elder Fraud
en.sedaily.com · 2026-03-22
Foreign Crime Ring Infiltrates Korean Secondhand Market; Police Launch Crackdown
A Cambodia-based criminal organization has been caught running scams on a domestic secondhand trading platform. Police have announced a seven-month intensive crackdown on such fina...
Romance Scams Phishing Online Shopping Scams Scam Awareness Financial Crime
thestar.co.za · 2026-03-21
How three people allegedly tricked an elderly woman out of R14 million through a fake ... - The Star
Asanda Dwesini (39), Nomphelo Fetman (32), and Shan Gabrelle Lewis (47) appeared briefly in the Muizenberg Magistrate Court yesterday, 19 March 2026, in connection with a R14 milli...
Romance Scams Investment Fraud
mexc.com · 2026-03-21
FBI Issues Warning Over Fake 'FBI Tokens' on Tron Network | MEXC News
The New York division of the  Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)  issued an emergency alert to crypto users after a scam campaign on the Tron blockchain circulated fraudulent “F...
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Phishing Scam Awareness Financial Crime Cryptocurrency
stimson.org · 2026-03-20
Breaking Silos to Beat Scams: Why Holistic Law Enforcement Matters - Stimson Center
In March 2026, Cyber Program Director Allison Pytlak and Southeast Asia Program Deputy Director Courtney Weatherby convened experts from Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, the Philippines, a...
Law Enforcement Impersonation Tech Support Scams Scam Awareness Financial Crime
yahoo.com · 2026-03-20
Dominican extradited to Massachusetts for alleged role in laundering $5M in grandparent scheme
BOSTON (WWLP) – A Dominican national has been extradited to Massachusetts for allegedly laundering proceeds from a call center operation that defrauded hundreds of elderly victims,...
Romance Scams Investment Fraud Grandparent Scams Robocalls / Phone Scams General Elder Fraud Financial Crime Wire Transfer Gift Cards
yahoo.com · 2026-03-20
Dominican national extradited to US for role inelder fraudring that victimized Mass. seniors
A Dominican national has been extradited to the United States for his alleged role in an elder fraud ring that victimized seniors across the country, including in Massachusetts, fe...
Grandparent Scams Robocalls / Phone Scams General Elder Fraud Financial Crime
fallriverreporter.com · 2026-03-20
Dominican national appears in Massachusetts court for alleged role in scam... - Fall River Reporter
BOSTON – A Dominican national has been extradited to the United States for his alleged role in a transnational “call center” operation in the Dominican Republic that tricked hundre...
Bank Impersonation Grandparent Scams Robocalls / Phone Scams General Elder Fraud Scam Awareness
boston25news.com · 2026-03-20
Dominican national extradited to US for role inelder fraudring that victimized Mass. seniors
BOSTON — A Dominican national has been extradited to the United States for his alleged role in an elder fraud ring that victimized seniors across the country, including in Massachu...
Grandparent Scams Robocalls / Phone Scams General Elder Fraud Financial Crime
bankingday.com · 2026-03-19
Money Mules key fraud vector - Banking Day
Money Mule Growth increased 90.9% in 2025, versus 2024. Credit Product Fraud instances increased by 11.1% over the year. Money muling now accounts for 14.6% of all fraud listings...
Romance Scams Government Impersonation Identity Theft
mexc.com · 2026-03-18
US Secret Service Launches Crucial Operation Atlantic with UK and Canada to Crush ... - MEXC
BitcoinWorld US Secret Service Launches Crucial Operation Atlantic with UK and Canada to Crush Crypto Fraud Networks WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Secret Service announced a ground...
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Government Impersonation Online Shopping Scams Robocalls / Phone Scams General Elder Fraud Scam Awareness Financial Crime Cryptocurrency
montanarightnow.com · 2026-03-18
Anaconda woman shares her story ofelder fraud, and how to protect yourself
At a seminar in Billings, victims shared personal stories, highlighting the sophisticated tactics scammers use to deceive. One retired nurse, Susan Bivins, lost her life savings bu...
Crypto Investment Scams General Elder Fraud Cryptocurrency
ctpost.com · 2026-03-18
Romance scammers used CT bank accounts to siphon millions from victims, feds say
Stock image. Federal authorities say two men conspired in romance scams and other frauds that funneled millions of dollars through Connecticut addresses and bank accounts. Scammer...
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Phishing Cryptocurrency Money Order / Western Union
nhregister.com · 2026-03-18
Romance scammers used CT bank accounts to siphon millions from victims, feds say
Stock image. Federal authorities say two men conspired in romance scams and other frauds that funneled millions of dollars through Connecticut addresses and bank accounts. Scammer...
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Phishing Cryptocurrency Money Order / Western Union
dailybreeze.com · 2026-03-16
Seniorliving: Banks are becoming bulwarks against scams for vulnerableseniors
By Paula Span KFF Health News The first call came just before Thanksgiving last year. She didn’t recognize the phone number, but she answered anyway. “The person said he was an ...
Romance Scams Government Impersonation Robocalls / Phone Scams General Elder Fraud Scam Awareness Gift Cards
cryptopotato.com · 2026-03-16
Illicit Crypto Activity in Australia Remains Below 1%: TRM Report - CryptoPotato
Home » Crypto News Share: Share: Illicit activity accounts for only a small fraction of Australia’s cryptocurrency ecosystem, even as digital asset adoption continues to expand....
Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Kidnapping/Ransom Scams Financial Crime Cryptocurrency
greenwichfreepress.com · 2026-03-15
Connecticut Man Sentences to 9 Years in Prison for NationwideRomance Scam
A Connecticut man was sentenced last week to nine years’ imprisonment for wire fraud and money laundering stemming from his participation in a romance scam that affected victims ac...
Romance Scams Investment Fraud Robocalls / Phone Scams General Elder Fraud Scam Awareness Financial Crime Wire Transfer
mexc.com · 2026-03-14
Chinese-born Businessman Chen Zhi Alleged For Operating “Pig Butchering” | MEXC News
The U.S. government is pursuing the seizure of 127,271 Bitcoin linked to Chen Zhi, a Chinese-born businessman once based in Cambodia. Chen allegedly operated a sprawling network of...
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Cryptocurrency
theguardian.com · 2026-03-14
Fake rooms, props and a script to lure victims: inside an abandoned Cambodia scam centre
Sprawling compound, including mock-up banks and police offices, uncovered by Thai military during border clashes It is as if you have walked into a branch of one of Vietnam’s bank...
Romance Scams Investment Fraud Law Enforcement Impersonation Tech Support Scams Phishing Robocalls / Phone Scams General Elder Fraud Scam Awareness Financial Crime
iclg.com · 2026-03-14
Covid-19 fraudsters convicted in Colorado - ICLG.com
Pandemic profiteers who stole millions through shady schemes and laundered the proceeds have been brought to justice in the Centennial State. Following news that the UK government...
Romance Scams Investment Fraud Inheritance Scams Benefits Fraud Financial Crime Wire Transfer
nhregister.com · 2026-03-13
CT man gets 9 years for usingromance scams to steal more than $1.5M - New Haven Register
A Connecticut man convicted of wire fraud and money laundering for series of romance scams that swindled victims out of $1.5 million has been sentenced in Iowa federal court to nin...
Romance Scams Financial Crime Wire Transfer
fox61.com · 2026-03-13
Connecticut man sentenced in Iowa for usingromance scam to prey on vulnerable victims
DES MOINES, Iowa — A man from East Hartford was recently sentenced in an Iowa federal courtroom to nearly a decade in prison for helping orchestrate a romance scam that affected vi...
Romance Scams Investment Fraud General Elder Fraud Scam Awareness Financial Crime Wire Transfer
ctinsider.com · 2026-03-13
CT man gets 9 years in prison for usingromance scams to steal $1.5M - CT Insider
A Connecticut man convicted of wire fraud and money laundering for series of romance scams that swindled victims out of $1.5 million has been sentenced in Iowa federal court to nin...
Romance Scams Financial Crime Wire Transfer
yahoo.com · 2026-03-13
Connecticut man sentenced in Iowa for usingromance scam to prey on vulnerable victims
A man from East Hartford was recently sentenced in an Iowa federal courtroom to nearly a decade in prison for helping orchestrate a romance scam that affected victims throughout th...
Romance Scams Investment Fraud General Elder Fraud Scam Awareness Financial Crime Wire Transfer
cryptorank.io · 2026-03-13
Chinese-born Businessman Chen Zhi Alleged For Operating “Pig Butchering” - CryptoRank
Share: - U.S. seeks seizure of 127,271 BTC (~$8.8B) linked to Chen Zhi, accused of running global "pig‑butchering" crypto scams that allegedly generated billions; lawyers contend ...
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Cryptocurrency
katiecouric.com · 2026-03-12
Banks Are Becoming Bulwarks Against Scams for VulnerableSeniors- Katie Couric Media
The first call came just before Thanksgiving last year. She didn’t recognize the phone number, but she answered anyway. "The person said he was an officer of the Department of Cri...
Romance Scams Government Impersonation Tech Support Scams Robocalls / Phone Scams General Elder Fraud Scam Awareness Gift Cards
bethesdamagazine.com · 2026-03-12
Judge orders Gaithersburg woman to pay more than $1M to victims of money laundering
Tanoa Tanoh also sentenced to serve 30 months in federal prison A Gaithersburg woman was sentenced to serve roughly two and a half years in federal prison in connection with a mon...
Investment Fraud Phishing Identity Theft General Elder Fraud Financial Crime Wire Transfer
ottumwaradio.com · 2026-03-12
Connecticut Man Sentenced to Nine Years' Imprisonment for Participating in a Nationwide ...
A Connecticut man was sentenced on March 5, 2026, to nine years’ imprisonment for wire fraud and money laundering stemming from his participation in a romance scam that affected vi...
Romance Scams Investment Fraud Robocalls / Phone Scams General Elder Fraud Scam Awareness Financial Crime Wire Transfer
panewslab.com · 2026-03-12
Attorney Chen Zhi, the ringleader of a "pig butchering scam," filed a motion in a U.S. court to ...
PANews reported on March 11 that, according to Bloomberg, lawyers for Chen Zhi, accused of being the head of a large-scale "pig butchering" scam ring, filed a motion in New York fe...
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Scam Awareness Cryptocurrency
longbridge.com · 2026-03-12
The leader of the "pig butchering" scheme, lawyer Chen Zhi, submitted a motion to a ... - Longbridge
PANews reported on March 11 that Chen Zhi, who is accused of being the head of a large-scale "pig butchering" scam gang, has filed a motion in a New York federal court to dismiss t...
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Scam Awareness Cryptocurrency
chaincatcher.com · 2026-03-12
The leader of the "pig butchering" scheme, lawyer Chen Zhi, submitted a motion to a U.S. ...
According to Bloomberg, this week, the lawyer of Chen Zhi, who is accused of being the head of a large-scale "pig butchering" scam gang, filed a motion in a New York federal court ...
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Cryptocurrency
fox61.com · 2026-03-11
2 plead guilty of defrauding millions from victims of online scams | fox61.com
HARTFORD, Connecticut — Two men pleaded guilty in Hartford Federal Court to charges related to receiving, moving, and converting millions of dollars stolen from victims of online s...
Romance Scams General Elder Fraud Scam Awareness Money Order / Western Union
straitstimes.com · 2026-03-11
Men linked to Myanmar fraud hub charged in South Korea overromance scam
Sign up now: Get insights on Asia's fast-moving developments Prosecutors said nine men joined a romance scam network operating inside a crime enclave in Myanmar run by a Chinese r...
Romance Scams Phishing Robocalls / Phone Scams Financial Crime
dailymaverick.co.za · 2026-03-11
SA's Benjamin Mauerberger embroiled in 'Thailand state capture' accusations, billion-dollar ...
South African-born Benjamin Mauerberger’s name has cropped up in a global scandal involving suspicions of money laundering, human trafficking and organised criminality rooted in Ch...
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Government Impersonation Law Enforcement Impersonation Bank Impersonation Utility Impersonation Phishing Robocalls / Phone Scams Scam Awareness Financial Crime Cryptocurrency
decrypt.co · 2026-03-11
UK Government's Fraud Strategy Paints Crypto as 'Growing Risk' - Decrypt
By Decrypt Agent 3 min read Mar 10, 2026Mar 10, 2026 The UK government has published its Fraud Strategy 2026 to 2029 document, highlighting the “growing risk” posed by cryptocur...
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Phishing Cryptocurrency
jdsupra.com · 2026-03-11
2025 in Review: Major Fraud Events and What We Can Learn From Them | Ankura
[author: Dov Soloman] The fraud landscape in 2025 has consisted of investigations into investment, cryptocurrency, and other cyber frauds, as well as key enforcement changes in bo...
Romance Scams Celebrity Impersonation Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Government Impersonation Benefits Fraud Robocalls / Phone Scams General Elder Fraud Scam Awareness Financial Crime Cryptocurrency Wire Transfer
kffhealthnews.org · 2026-03-11
Banks Are Becoming Bulwarks Against Scams for VulnerableSeniors- KFF Health News
The first call came just before Thanksgiving last year. She didn’t recognize the phone number, but she answered anyway. “The person said he was an officer of the Department of Cri...
Romance Scams Government Impersonation Robocalls / Phone Scams General Elder Fraud Scam Awareness Gift Cards
thelundreport.org · 2026-03-11
Banks are becoming bulwarks against scams for vulnerableseniors| The Lund Report
The first call came just before Thanksgiving last year. She didn’t recognize the phone number, but she answered anyway. “The person said he was an officer of the Department of Cri...
Romance Scams Government Impersonation Home Repair Scams Robocalls / Phone Scams General Elder Fraud Scam Awareness Gift Cards
wusf.org · 2026-03-11
Banks are becoming bulwarks against scams for vulnerableseniors- WUSF
The first call came just before Thanksgiving last year. She didn’t recognize the phone number, but she answered anyway. “The person said he was an officer of the Department of Cri...
Romance Scams Government Impersonation Robocalls / Phone Scams General Elder Fraud Scam Awareness Gift Cards
gilmermirror.com · 2026-03-11
Banks Are Becoming Bulwarks Against Scams for VulnerableSeniors- The Gilmer Mirror
By Paula Span March 10, 2026 The first call came just before Thanksgiving last year. She didn’t recognize the phone number, but she answered anyway. “The person said he was an of...
Romance Scams Government Impersonation Robocalls / Phone Scams General Elder Fraud Scam Awareness Gift Cards
wfsb.com · 2026-03-10
Two men plead guilty in scheme that stole millions from online scam victims - WFSB
HARTFORD, Conn. (WFSB) - Two men are facing federal sentencing after admitting they helped launder nearly $9 million stolen from elderly victims of online scams, federal prosecutor...
Romance Scams General Elder Fraud Financial Crime Cryptocurrency Money Order / Western Union
ctinsider.com · 2026-03-10
2 men plead guilty in $9M money laundering scheme targeting elderly - CT Insider
Two men have pleaded guilty in Hartford federal court to conspiracy charges for helping launder nearly $9 million in stolen money, officials said. HARTFORD — Two men have pleaded ...
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud General Elder Fraud Cryptocurrency Money Order / Western Union
theindependent.sg · 2026-03-10
Singapore cryptocurrency scam cases rise; victims lost S$182M in 2025
SINGAPORE: Singapore saw fewer scams and cybercrime cases in 2025, but the threat remains serious. Police say scammers are still finding ways to reach victims, especially through c...
Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Online Shopping Scams General Elder Fraud Scam Awareness Cryptocurrency
cryptotimes.io · 2026-03-09
US Treasury Bets on AI to Tackle Crypto Fraud After $9B Losses
Key Highlights The U.S. Department of the Treasury has released a sweeping new report to Congress that marks a turning point in how America plans to fight financial crime in the d...
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Phishing Financial Crime Cryptocurrency Crypto ATM
cdotrends.com · 2026-03-09
Thailand's Most Dangerous Bank Fraudster Is You | CDOTrends
The Anantara Siam Bangkok hotel smells of jasmine and money. On the ground floor, at a corner table in a restaurant, Nutapone Apiluktoyanunt leans forward and says something that s...
Romance Scams Investment Fraud Scam Awareness Financial Crime
asiaone.com · 2026-03-09
Woman, 23, threatened with arson to Malaysia home afterfallingfor home rental scam in Singapore
A 23-year-old Malaysian woman fell victim to a Singapore rental scam, in which the other party tried to extort more money by accusing her of money laundering, sending fake lawyer l...
boston.com · 2026-03-08
US attorney going after money forfeited by Mass. resident inromancecrypto fraud scheme
Federal prosecutors are trying to recover more than $327,000 in cryptocurrency allegedly linked to a romance and investment scam that targeted a Massachusetts resident, the U.S. At...
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Phishing Financial Crime Cryptocurrency
wcax.com · 2026-03-07
How scammers use AI to imitate popular creators, sell fake products - WCAX
This report contains AI-generated images and videos created to show you the best ways to identify real versus AI. EAST TAWAS, Mich. (Aging Untold) — An 84-year-old TikTok creator ...
Identity Theft Charity Scams Scam Awareness
galvnews.com · 2026-03-06
Six arrested in $2.8 millioneldergold scam; Friendswood police recover $766K
Mudassir Iqbal Lakhani Iqbal Ibrahim Lakhani Samirali Ghabrani Smitaben Thakor Samir Ali Zohaib Muhammad FRIENDSWOOD After months of investigation, six people have been arre...
Investment Fraud Law Enforcement Impersonation General Elder Fraud Financial Crime
tradingview.com · 2026-03-06
How US investigators traced $61M in crypto tied toromance scams across wallets
Key takeawaysFederal authorities in North Carolina seized more than $61 million in USDT, revealing how pig-butchering schemes combine emotional manipulation with fraudulent crypto ...
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Tech Support Scams Scam Awareness Financial Crime Cryptocurrency
republicmonitor.com · 2026-03-06
BBB Tips: Protect your heart and your wallet fromromance scams
ST. LOUIS — Looking for love? The Better Business Bureau (BBB) recommends being on the lookout for romance scams when dating online, as artificial intelligence tools and cryptocurr...
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Phishing Robocalls / Phone Scams Scam Awareness Cryptocurrency Gift Cards Check/Cashier's Check
macaudailytimes.com.mo · 2026-03-06
Woman allegedly defrauds over MOP1.1 million while claiming fee of MOP2,200
An Indonesian woman is under investigation for allegedly defrauding six victims of more than MOP1.1 million by posing as a Taobao customer service representative. The 35-year-old ...
Robocalls / Phone Scams Scam Awareness
yahoo.com · 2026-03-05
Taiwan Indicts 62 Over Laundering $339M From Crypto Scam Compounds in Cambodia
Taiwanese prosecutors have indicted 62 people over their alleged links to Prince Group, a network designated as a transnational criminal organization by the U.S. Department of Just...
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Financial Crime Cryptocurrency Wire Transfer
yahoo.com · 2026-03-04
US Prosecutors Seek $327K Crypto Forfeiture In 2024Romance Scam Case - Yahoo
Federal prosecutors in Massachusetts are moving to seize $327,829 in USDT tied to a romance crypto scam that drained a victim’s savings in late 2024. The scammer posed as a love in...
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Robocalls / Phone Scams Scam Awareness Cryptocurrency
decrypt.co · 2026-03-04
US Prosecutors Seek $327K Crypto Forfeiture Over Romance Scam - Decrypt
By Logan Hitchcock 2 min read Mar 2, 2026Mar 2, 2026 Prosecutors for the Massachusetts District of the U.S. Attorney’s Office are seeking the civil forfeiture of $327,829 in USD...
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Robocalls / Phone Scams Cryptocurrency
mexc.com · 2026-03-04
She Said It Was a Crypto Investment. It Was a Scam. Now Prosecutors Want $327K in Tether Back
Federal prosecutors in Boston are trying to recover $327,829 in Tether after a Massachusetts resident was scammed through a dating app. The US Attorney’s Office for Massachusetts ...
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Scam Awareness Financial Crime Cryptocurrency
mexc.com · 2026-03-04
Federal Authorities Pursue $327K Tether Recovery After Dating App Crypto Scam - MEXC
Federal authorities in Boston have launched an effort to reclaim $327,829 worth of Tether following a sophisticated dating app scam that victimized a Massachusetts resident. On Mo...
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Financial Crime Cryptocurrency
yahoo.com · 2026-03-03
US Prosecutors Seek $327K Crypto Forfeiture OverRomance Scam- Yahoo
Prosecutors for the Massachusetts District of the U.S. Attorney’s Office are seeking the civil forfeiture of $327,829 in USDT as part of a money laundering scheme that victimized t...
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Robocalls / Phone Scams General Elder Fraud Cryptocurrency
tradingview.com · 2026-03-03
US authorities seek to recover $327K USDt fromromancefraud scheme - TradingView
The US Justice Department is seeking to recover roughly $327,829 in stablecoins allegedly linked to money laundering connected to an online romance scam. In a Monday notice, the U...
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Financial Crime Cryptocurrency Gift Cards
panewslab.com · 2026-03-03
US prosecutors have applied to forfeit approximately 328,000 USDT in connection with a ... - PANews
PANews reported on March 3 that, according to The Block, the U.S. Attorney's Office in Boston has filed a civil forfeiture lawsuit seeking to recover approximately 327,800 USDT. Th...
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Scam Awareness Cryptocurrency
mexc.com · 2026-03-03
US prosecutors have applied to forfeit approximately 328,000 USDT in connection with a ...
PANews reported on March 3 that, according to The Block, the U.S. Attorney's Office in Boston has filed a civil forfeiture lawsuit seeking to recover approximately 327,800 USDT. Th...
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Scam Awareness Cryptocurrency
mexc.com · 2026-03-03
U.S. DOJ Reports Seizure of Over $580M Via Scam Center Strike Force | MEXC News
The United States Department of Justice has reported a major milestone in combating transnational criminal activity related to cryptocurrencies. On February 26, 2026, U.S. Attorney...
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Scam Awareness Cryptocurrency
saharareporters.com · 2026-03-03
Nigerian Man Jailed In US For 19 Years Over $4millionRomance Scam, Business Fraud
Authorities also stated that Mba is expected to face removal proceedings after completing his prison term. A 40-year-old Nigerian man who illegally resided in Houston, United Stat...
Romance Scams Investment Fraud Inheritance Scams Phishing Robocalls / Phone Scams General Elder Fraud Scam Awareness Financial Crime Wire Transfer Bank Transfer
coinmarketcap.com · 2026-03-02
DOJ Freezes $580M in Crypto Tied to Chinese Fraud Networks - CoinMarketCap
The actions were carried out by the District of Columbia's Scam Center Strike Force, a multi-agency task force established in November by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro. "In only thre...
Crypto Investment Scams Cryptocurrency
cryptorank.io · 2026-03-02
Feds Seize $61 Million in Tether Linked to 'Pig Butchering' Crypto Scams - CryptoRank
Share: US federal agents have seized more than $61 million worth of USDT. Investigators traced the seized funds to cryptocurrency addresses allegedly linked to the laundering of c...
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Cryptocurrency
mexc.com · 2026-03-02
$4.2 BILLION USDT FROZEN: Tether's Massive Crackdown Sparks Global Crypto Showdown
Tether USDT News: $4.2 Billion Frozen as Global Authorities Intensify Crackdown on Stablecoin Misuse In a sweeping series of enforcement actions that underscore mounting global sc...
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Phishing Scam Awareness Cryptocurrency
findarticles.com · 2026-03-02
Minnesota Moves To Ban Crypto ATMs Statewide - FindArticles
Minnesota lawmakers are advancing a ban on cryptocurrency ATMs, arguing that the machines have become a fast conduit for scammers to siphon money from vulnerable residents, especia...
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Tech Support Scams Identity Theft Robocalls / Phone Scams General Elder Fraud Scam Awareness Cryptocurrency Crypto ATM Gift Cards Cash Bank Transfer Check/Cashier's Check
tradingview.com · 2026-03-01
Tether froze $4.2B in tokens tied to illicit activity in 3 years: Report - TradingView
Stablecoin issuer Tether has reportedly frozen roughly $4.2 billion worth of its USDt tokens connected to suspected criminal activity over the past three years. Most of the blocke...
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Cryptocurrency
analyticsinsight.net · 2026-03-01
DOJ Seizes US$580M in Crypto Fraud Tied toPig ButcheringRings - Analytics Insight
The US Attorney for the District of Columbia, Jeanine Ferris Pirro, said this week that a federal strike force has frozen and seized more than US$580 million in cryptocurrency. Pro...
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Cryptocurrency
cryptopotato.com · 2026-03-01
Feds Seize $61 Million in Tether Linked to 'Pig Butchering' Crypto Scams - CryptoPotato
Home » Crypto News Share: Share: US federal agents have seized more than $61 million worth of USDT. Investigators traced the seized funds to cryptocurrency addresses allegedly l...
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Tech Support Scams Financial Crime Cryptocurrency
wxyz.com · 2026-03-01
New Boston woman arrested in alleged $4.6 million child modeling scam- WXYZ
(WXYZ) — A metro Detroit woman is facing federal charges over an alleged multimillion-dollar fraud scheme involving supposed child modeling events. According to the U.S. Attorney'...
Financial Crime Wire Transfer
yahoo.com · 2026-03-01
From Fake Marriages To $4M Stolen Dreams: Nigerian Illegal In Houston Gets 19 Years
An illegal alien from Nigeria living in Houston has been sentenced to 19 years in federal prison for his involvement in a $4 million fraud scheme. Leslie Chinedu Mba, 40, pleaded ...
Romance Scams Phishing General Elder Fraud Financial Crime Wire Transfer
gazettengr.com · 2026-02-28
Nigerian fraudster Leslie Mba jailed in U.S. for multimillion-dollar wire fraud,romance scam
“Now, Mba has prison to look forward to, followed by a one-way ticket back to Nigeria,” U.S. attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei said. “Now, Mba has prison to look forward to, followed by...
Romance Scams Inheritance Scams Phishing General Elder Fraud Financial Crime Wire Transfer
mexc.com · 2026-02-28
Minnesota Moves to Ban Crypto Kiosks OverFraud| MEXC News
Minnesota lawmakers are advancing legislation that would prohibit cryptocurrency kiosks across the state. The proposal follows testimony from law enforcement officials who linked t...
Crypto Investment Scams General Elder Fraud Scam Awareness Cryptocurrency Crypto ATM
bitcoinmagazine.com · 2026-02-28
U.S. Government Seizes Over $580 Million In Crypto - Bitcoin Magazine
U.S. authorities have seized over $580 million in cryptocurrency linked to Southeast Asian “pig butchering” scams. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro said federal authorities have...
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Cryptocurrency
yellow.com · 2026-02-28
U.S. Task Force Seizes $580M In Crypto FromPig Butchering Scams In Just 3 Months
The U.S. Justice Department's Scam Center Strike Force froze and seized more than $578 million in cryptocurrency over its first three months of operation, U.S. Attorney Jeanine Fer...
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Government Impersonation Financial Crime Cryptocurrency
rstreet.org · 2026-02-27
“I've Been Scammed, Now What?”: The Growing Crisis Facing Everyday Americans
On a normal summer day in June, Manny Guerrero, a soft-spoken Vietnam War veteran living in Las Vegas, picked up the phone and was told he had beaten the odds and won. The voice on...
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Government Impersonation Tech Support Scams Phishing Identity Theft Benefits Fraud Home Repair Scams Charity Scams Robocalls / Phone Scams General Elder Fraud Scam Awareness Financial Crime Cryptocurrency Wire Transfer Gift Cards Payment App
recordedfuture.com · 2026-02-27
Recorded Future Expands Coverage of Scams and Financial Fraud with Money Mule ...
Recorded Future is expanding its payment fraud prevention capabilities through a partnership with CYBERA, the industry leader in detecting and verifying data on scam-linked bank ac...
Crypto Investment Scams Bank Impersonation Robocalls / Phone Scams Scam Awareness Cryptocurrency Payment App
fox26houston.com · 2026-02-27
Nigerian national sentenced to 19 years for $4M scam involving fraudulent marriage attempts
The U.S. Department of Justice seal. (Samuel Corum/Bloomberg via Getty Images) HOUSTON - A man who was in Houston illegally has been sentenced to nearly 20 years in federal prison...
Romance Scams Investment Fraud Inheritance Scams Phishing Robocalls / Phone Scams General Elder Fraud Financial Crime Wire Transfer
livebitcoinnews.com · 2026-02-27
US Agents Seize $61M USDT From Crypto Romance Scam | Live Bitcoin News
- US agents seize $61M USDT tied to crypto romance scam, highlighting enforcement efforts, asset forfeiture actions, and blockchain tracking success. US federal agents seized mor...
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Government Impersonation Robocalls / Phone Scams Scam Awareness Financial Crime Cryptocurrency
mexc.com · 2026-02-27
US Seizes $61M in USDT Tied toPig ButcheringCrypto Scam | MEXC News
US Federal agents in North Carolina seized more than $61 million worth of USDt (USDT) tied to a large‑scale “pig butchering” crypto investment scam that preyed on victims through f...
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Phishing Scam Awareness Cryptocurrency
mexc.com · 2026-02-27
US Agents Seize $61M USDt in MajorPig ButcheringCrypto Scam | MEXC News
US federal agents from North Carolina have captured over $61 million worth of USDt associated with a large-scale “pig butchering” crypto investment scam that hunted victims via fak...
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Phishing Scam Awareness Cryptocurrency
trmlabs.com · 2026-02-26
Tracing aRomance Scam: A Survivor's Story and the Investigation Behind It - TRM Labs
Romance and “investment” scams are not random. They are engineered — built on trust, pressure, and highly scripted manipulation. And while crypto is often the payment rail, the und...
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Government Impersonation Phishing Identity Theft Robocalls / Phone Scams Scam Awareness Financial Crime Cryptocurrency Crypto ATM Wire Transfer Gift Cards Check/Cashier's Check
mexc.com · 2026-02-26
U.S. Authorities Seize $61M in Crypto Linked toPig-Butchering Scam | MEXC News
U.S. authorities have seized more than $61 million worth of cryptocurrency tied to an investment fraud scheme known as the pig-butchering scam. Federal agents worked with the U.S. ...
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Scam Awareness Financial Crime Cryptocurrency
cryptorank.io · 2026-02-26
US Agents Seize $61M USDt in MajorPig ButcheringCrypto Scam - CryptoRank.io
Share: US federal agents from North Carolina have captured over $61 million worth of USDt associated with a large-scale “pig butchering” crypto investment scam that hunted victims...
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Phishing Scam Awareness Cryptocurrency
en.cryptonomist.ch · 2026-02-26
Tether seizure NC crackdown onpig butchering scams - The Cryptonomist
U.S. authorities in North Carolina have executed a major tether seizure targeting funds linked to crypto investment scams built on fake relationships. Summary The U.S. Attorney’s...
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Cryptocurrency
theindependent.sg · 2026-02-26
Son seeks advice after mumfellfor online scam: 'She is refusing to believe the family'
SINGAPORE: A worried son has turned to social media for advice after his elderly mother became entangled in what he believes is a Facebook scam. On Wednesday (Feb 25), he shared o...
General Elder Fraud Scam Awareness Gift Cards
straitstimes.com · 2026-02-26
S'pore scam losses fall to $913m in 2025; new trend of victims handing over gold bars to syndicates
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox The amount lost to scammers also dipped from the record high of $1.1 billion in 2024 to $913.1 million in 2025, the polic...
Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Government Impersonation Law Enforcement Impersonation Bank Impersonation Phishing Robocalls / Phone Scams Scam Awareness Financial Crime Cryptocurrency
channelnewsasia.com · 2026-02-26
Singapore records 27.6% drop in scam cases in 2025 - CNA
Singapore Government officials impersonation scam cases jumped 123.6 per cent last year, however. There were 37,308 scam cases in 2025, a 27.6 per cent drop from the 51,501 cases...
Friendship Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Government Impersonation Law Enforcement Impersonation Phishing Online Shopping Scams Robocalls / Phone Scams General Elder Fraud Scam Awareness Financial Crime Cryptocurrency Bank Transfer
devdiscourse.com · 2026-02-26
Delhi Police Crackdown on DigitalFraud: Three Arrested for DupingElderlyWoman
In a significant breakthrough, the Delhi Police have detained three individuals charged with deceiving a 75-year-old woman in a sophisticated digital fraud scheme. The perpetrators...
Robocalls / Phone Scams General Elder Fraud Financial Crime
panewslab.com · 2026-02-25
The U.S. Department of Justice's East Carolina Attorney's Office announced the seizure ... - PANews
Federal law enforcement seized over $61 million in cryptocurrency linked to "pig butchering" scams, where criminals pose as romantic partners to convince victims to invest in fake cryptocurrency trading platforms and then refuse withdrawal requests. Victims across the country lost money when scammers claimed taxes were owed and quickly moved the funds through multiple wallets to launder the money. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited romantic connections who encourage cryptocurrency investments, verify trading platforms independently, and never send money to accounts you cannot verify.
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Robocalls / Phone Scams Scam Awareness Cryptocurrency
therecord.media · 2026-02-25
US 'committed' to fighting transnational gangs behind Southeast Asian scam compounds: FBI
Criminal networks operating in Southeast Asian compounds are running sophisticated "pig-butchering" cryptocurrency scams that target victims worldwide, stealing billions of dollars annually through fake investment schemes and complex money laundering operations. The U.S. FBI and international law enforcement agencies are intensifying efforts to disrupt these operations, with recent major actions including the execution of Myanmar crime leaders by China, the indictment and extradition of a Cambodian businessman who ran a massive scamming empire, and raids across Cambodia that have freed trafficked workers. To protect yourself, be extremely skeptical of unsolicited investment opportunities—especially cryptocurrency schemes—verify the legitimacy of investment platforms independently, and never send money to people you've only met online.
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Scam Awareness Cryptocurrency
yahoo.com · 2026-02-25
North Carolina DOJ Seizes $61 Million in USDT Tied toPig Butchering Scam - Yahoo
U.S. authorities in North Carolina seized $61 million in cryptocurrency (Tether/USDT) connected to "pig butchering" scams, a fraud scheme where criminals build fake romantic relationships with victims online and direct them to fraudulent investment platforms that show fake returns before demanding "taxes" or "fees" to withdraw funds. These scams have cost victims billions globally, with criminals repeatedly extracting money through a cycle of fake promises and hidden charges. To protect yourself, be suspicious of online romantic connections that quickly push cryptocurrency investments, verify investment platforms independently, and remember that legitimate investments never demand upfront fees to access your returns.
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Scam Awareness Cryptocurrency
tradingview.com · 2026-02-25
US seizes $61M in USDT linked to 'pig butchering' crypto fraud scheme - TradingView
U.S. Federal agents seized $61 million in cryptocurrency (USDT) from a "pig butchering" scam ring that used fake romantic relationships and fraudulent trading platforms to defraud victims. The scammers posed as romantic partners with trading expertise, directed victims to fake crypto websites showing fake high returns, then blocked withdrawals and demanded extra fees. To protect yourself, be cautious of online romantic partners who quickly pivot to investment opportunities, verify trading platforms independently, and never invest money you can't afford to lose—especially if pressured by someone you've only met online.
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Phishing Scam Awareness Cryptocurrency
bpi.com · 2026-02-25
Spoofing, Smishing and Deepfakes: To Stop Scams, Consumers Need Stronger Protections
American households lost an estimated $12.5 billion to scams in 2024—a 25% increase from the previous year—with sophisticated technology-driven fraud becoming increasingly common, particularly through phones and apps. Most Americans now receive scam calls or texts weekly, often using AI deepfakes and voice cloning that make fraudulent communications difficult to distinguish from legitimate ones, with many scams originating from organized international crime groups. To protect themselves, consumers should be suspicious of unsolicited calls and texts (especially from unknown numbers or international sources), verify requests independently through official channels, and report suspected scams to the FCC, while regulators need to mandate call authentication standards and deploy better anti-spoofing filters.
Romance Scams Government Impersonation Bank Impersonation Tech Support Scams Phishing Robocalls / Phone Scams Scam Awareness
aol.com · 2026-02-24
$55M stolen in alleged impersonation scam involving cash, gold and crypto in Texas. How ...
A major fraud ring operating in Texas stole at least $55 million from elderly victims by impersonating federal agents and threatening them with arrest to coerce them into surrendering gold, cash, and cryptocurrency. The scheme is part of a growing crisis of elder fraud, with Americans over 60 accounting for 36% of all fraud reports and losing nearly $2.4 billion to scams in 2024 alone. To protect yourself and elderly relatives, remain skeptical of unsolicited calls or messages from officials making threats, remember that legitimate authorities won't demand payment by gift card or wire transfer, and verify any official claims by contacting the agency directly using a number from their official website.
Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Government Impersonation Law Enforcement Impersonation Tech Support Scams Identity Theft Robocalls / Phone Scams General Elder Fraud Scam Awareness Financial Crime Cryptocurrency
republicworld.com · 2026-02-24
'Overstayed Student Visa, DupedElderly': Indian Gets 18-Yr Jail In US For Scamming SeniorCitizens
An Indian national named Atharva Shailesh Sathawane, who overstayed his student visa, was sentenced to 18 years in prison for his role in a fraud scheme that defrauded elderly Americans of millions of dollars. Working as a courier for an international scam operation, Sathawane visited victims' homes to collect cash and gold after they were deceived into believing their retirement savings were at risk, personally handling over $6.6 million in stolen assets across multiple states over four months. Seniors should be cautious of unsolicited calls or visits claiming their assets are in danger, verify such claims directly with their financial institutions using official contact numbers, and report suspicious activity to local law enforcement immediately.
Investment Fraud Robocalls / Phone Scams General Elder Fraud Financial Crime Wire Transfer
finance.yahoo.com · 2026-02-24
Texans lose $55M in alleged gold and crypto impersonation scam. How to spot the warning ...
# Fraud Summary A Texas crime ring stole at least $55 million from elderly victims by impersonating federal agents and threatening them into surrendering gold, cash, and cryptocurrency. The FTC reports that fraud targeting seniors has surged, with people over 60 accounting for 36% of all fraud reports in 2024 and losing approximately $2.4 billion to scams. To protect yourself and older relatives, be wary of unsolicited calls or messages from people claiming to be government officials, especially those creating urgency or threatening arrest—legitimate authorities will never demand immediate payment or asset transfers over the phone.
Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Government Impersonation Law Enforcement Impersonation Tech Support Scams Identity Theft Robocalls / Phone Scams General Elder Fraud Scam Awareness Financial Crime Cryptocurrency
indiatoday.in · 2026-02-24
They come to steal: US radical right spews hate as Indian gets 18 years in jail - India Today
A 23-year-old Indian national, Atharva Shailesh Sathawane, was sentenced to 18 years in prison in January 2025 for his role in wire fraud and money laundering schemes targeting senior citizens in the United States. The case has recently resurfaced on social media, where MAGA-aligned commentators have used it to push anti-immigrant rhetoric and criticize Biden-era immigration policies, claiming it demonstrates systematic fraud by foreign nationals. To protect yourself, seniors should be cautious about unsolicited calls or requests for personal information, verify caller identity independently, and report suspicious activity to authorities or the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.
Government Impersonation General Elder Fraud Scam Awareness Financial Crime Wire Transfer
jdsupra.com · 2026-02-24
FinCEN launches website for whistleblower tips on fraud and BSA/AML violations | JD Supra
The U.S. Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) launched a new website on February 13 to encourage whistleblowers to report fraud, money laundering, and sanctions violations confidentially, with potential monetary rewards for tips that lead to enforcement actions. The initiative targets serious financial crimes including bank compliance failures, customer due diligence gaps, structuring schemes, virtual currency scams like "pig butchering," and falsified trade documents. If you suspect financial misconduct at your workplace or financial institution, you can now submit detailed evidence to FinCEN's Office of the Whistleblower to help protect the financial system and potentially earn rewards for your information.
Romance Scams
igamingbusiness.com · 2026-02-24
Cambodia revokes casino licences, citing ties to alleged crime boss Chen Zhi
Cambodia revoked casino licenses for four establishments linked to Chen Zhi, a Chinese businessman allegedly running one of the world's largest online fraud operations from Cambodia that at its peak generated $30 million daily through "pig-butchering" scams targeting people globally. The crackdown, which shut down 190 scam operations across Cambodia in just two months, reflects the country's effort to combat cybercrime that often uses casinos as fronts for fraudulent activities. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited investment offers or romantic connections online, especially those promising quick wealth or involving cryptocurrency, as these are common tactics used in such schemes.
Romance Scams Scam Awareness
jesseltontimes.com · 2026-02-23
Love for Sale: RM3.5 Million Lost to romance scams in January Alone | Jesselton Times
In January 2026 alone, Malaysian romance scammers defrauded victims of RM3.5 million across 100 reported cases, with women aged 30-50 making up the majority of targets. Scammers exploit emotional vulnerability by creating fake profiles on social media and dating platforms, building trust over weeks or months before fabricating emergencies (medical crises, customs delays, travel costs) to extract money from victims seeking genuine connection and companionship. **Actionable advice:** Be cautious of romantic connections with strangers online who quickly profess feelings or request money for emergencies; verify identities through video calls before sending any funds, and report suspicious profiles to platform administrators and police immediately.
Romance Scams Robocalls / Phone Scams Check/Cashier's Check
the420.in · 2026-02-23
A Visa Overstay And Millions In Gold: 23-Year-Old Convicted Of Duping Retires ₹59 Crores ...
# Article Summary A 23-year-old Indian national living illegally in the U.S. on an overstayed student visa was sentenced to 18 years in prison for his role in an international fraud scheme that targeted elderly Americans across multiple states. Working as a courier for a larger conspiracy based in India, Sathawane made at least 33 trips to victims' homes between summer and fall 2025, collecting over $6.6 million in cash and gold by convincing seniors to liquidate their retirement accounts under false pretenses. To protect yourself: elderly Americans should be wary of unsolicited calls or visitors pressuring them to convert savings to cash or gold, verify any financial advice through trusted sources, and report suspicious activity to authorities immediately.
Investment Fraud Robocalls / Phone Scams General Elder Fraud Financial Crime Wire Transfer Cash
english.tupaki.com · 2026-02-23
23Yr Old Indian Sentenced To 18 Yrs Prison In USA?
A 23-year-old Indian man named Atharva Shailesh Sathawane was sentenced to 18 years in federal prison for his role in an international fraud scheme that victimized elderly Americans, causing approximately $15 million in losses. Sathawane acted as a courier in the operation, collecting cash and gold that elderly victims had been tricked into liquidating from their retirement savings, then delivering the valuables to co-conspirators overseas. To protect yourself, be extremely cautious of unsolicited offers involving liquidating savings or converting assets to cash or gold, verify any financial advice through independent sources, and report suspicious activity to law enforcement immediately.
General Elder Fraud Scam Awareness Financial Crime Wire Transfer
financialexpress.com · 2026-02-23
Overstayed student visa, dupedelderlyfor $6M: Indian sentenced in USfraudschemes
# Fraud Scheme Summary A 23-year-old Indian national was sentenced to 18 years in prison for his role in an international fraud scheme that defrauded elderly Americans of approximately $6 million. Operating as a "courier," he convinced seniors to liquidate their retirement accounts and hand over cash and gold, which he then delivered to co-conspirators based in India. Elderly citizens should be cautious of unsolicited requests to withdraw retirement funds or hand over valuables, and should report suspicious activity to authorities immediately—it was a victim's suspicion that helped law enforcement break the case.
Investment Fraud Government Impersonation Robocalls / Phone Scams General Elder Fraud Financial Crime Wire Transfer
the-independent.com · 2026-02-23
Scammers created fake courtroom and law firm to prey on immigrants, DOJ says
Colombian scammers set up a fake courtroom and law firm to defraud Spanish-speaking immigrants, including asylum seekers, out of tens of thousands of dollars by impersonating judges, attorneys, and federal officers. At least dozens of victims were affected, with at least one person deported after missing their real court hearings to attend the fraudulent proceedings. To protect yourself, verify any court appearance or legal representation directly with official government websites or by calling your local immigration court, never rely solely on information from unsolicited contacts, and seek help from legitimate legal aid organizations if you cannot afford an attorney.
Law Enforcement Impersonation Tech Support Scams Financial Crime Wire Transfer
pcmag.com · 2026-02-21
Does That Job Seem to Good to Be True? It's Probably a scam | PCMag
# Job Search Scams on the Rise As job losses mount due to AI and economic pressures, scammers are targeting desperate job seekers through fake job postings on platforms like Indeed and LinkedIn, using AI-generated fake websites to steal personal information like Social Security numbers, addresses, and banking details. Beyond data theft, criminals may also request upfront payments for fake background checks or equipment, or send fraudulent checks that bounce after obtaining bank account information. To protect yourself, verify job postings directly through company websites, be wary of unsolicited payment requests, and never provide sensitive information like your Social Security number before speaking with a legitimate company representative.
Government Impersonation Bank Impersonation Phishing Identity Theft Robocalls / Phone Scams Scam Awareness Check/Cashier's Check
bankinfosecurity.com · 2026-02-21
Breach Roundup: Cambodia Scam Center Crackdown - BankInfoSecurity
Cambodia shut down approximately 190 online scam centers and arrested 11,000 foreign nationals in a major crackdown on transnational fraud operations that were running romance and investment scams on a massive scale, generating tens of billions of dollars annually for criminal gangs. The scam centers, which primarily operated in Phnom Penh and southern Cambodia, exploited trafficked and forced workers to defraud victims, with prominent targets including Chen Zhi, founder of Prince Holding Group, who was indicted by the U.S. Department of Justice for overseeing multiple compounds since 2015. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited romantic or investment opportunities online, verify the legitimacy of financial institutions directly through official channels, and report suspicious activity to law enforcement.
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Tech Support Scams Phishing General Elder Fraud Scam Awareness Financial Crime Cryptocurrency Wire Transfer
koco.com · 2026-02-20
Gold scams surging nationwide, costing victims hundreds of millions - KOCO
# Gold Scams Costing Americans Hundreds of Millions Scammers are exploiting Americans' trust in gold as a safe investment through "gold courier" schemes that have resulted in over $262 million in losses nationwide between January and October 2025. The scam typically begins with a fraudulent phone call, email, or pop-up claiming to be from your bank or a federal agency (FBI, IRS, or FTC), warning that your accounts have been compromised and urging you to immediately withdraw cash to purchase gold bars or coins. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited urgent demands to buy gold, verify any claims by contacting your bank directly using a number from their official website, and remember that legitimate government agencies will never ask you to purchase gold to protect your money.
Investment Fraud Government Impersonation Tech Support Scams Phishing Robocalls / Phone Scams Scam Awareness Cash
wbal.com · 2026-02-20
Gold scams surging nationwide, costing victims hundreds of millions - WBAL
# Gold Scam Summary Scammers are exploiting Americans' trust in gold as a safe investment through "gold courier" scams that have cost victims over $262 million nationwide in just the first ten months of 2025. The scheme typically begins with a fraudulent call or message impersonating banks or federal agencies like the FBI or IRS, claiming your accounts are compromised and pressuring you to withdraw cash and buy gold bars or coins. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited urgent messages about account security, verify caller identities by contacting institutions directly (not using numbers they provide), and remember that legitimate agencies won't ask you to buy gold or wire cash to protect your money.
Investment Fraud Government Impersonation Tech Support Scams Phishing Robocalls / Phone Scams Scam Awareness Cash
ketk.com · 2026-02-20
Chinese national ordered to pay $2.8M after 'Pig Butchering' crypto scams - KETK.com
A Chinese national was sentenced to 40 months in prison and ordered to pay $2.8 million after running "pig butchering" cryptocurrency scams that defrauded multiple victims. The scam involved fraudsters posing as romantic interests or financial professionals on social media and dating apps, building trust with victims before convincing them to invest in a fake cryptocurrency platform called Nanobit. To protect yourself, be wary of unsolicited investment offers from people you meet online, verify that financial platforms are legitimately registered with the SEC, and never invest based on advice from strangers on social media or messaging apps.
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Robocalls / Phone Scams Scam Awareness Financial Crime Cryptocurrency
techflowpost.com · 2026-02-20
A Chinese national sentenced to 40 months in the U.S. for involvement in a cryptocurrency ...
A 31-year-old Chinese national named Liao Fei was sentenced to 40 months in prison for laundering millions of dollars from cryptocurrency investment scams, particularly "pig-butchering" schemes where fraudsters gain victims' trust on social media before tricking them into fake crypto investments. Victims lost millions of dollars in these scams, and Liao Fei was ordered to forfeit $2.3 million and pay $2.8 million in restitution. To protect yourself, be wary of investment opportunities promoted by strangers on social media, avoid sending money to unknown individuals or companies, and verify investment opportunities through official regulatory channels before committing funds.
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Tech Support Scams Robocalls / Phone Scams Financial Crime Cryptocurrency
kucoin.com · 2026-02-20
Chinese national sentenced to 40 months in U.S. for crypto fraud involving millions | KuCoin
A 31-year-old Chinese national named Liao Fei was sentenced to 40 months in prison for laundering millions of dollars obtained through "pig butchering" scams, where fraudsters pose as romantic interests or trusted contacts on social media to trick people into investing in fake cryptocurrency schemes. The scheme affected numerous victims who lost money they couldn't recover, and Liao Fei was ordered to forfeit $2.3 million and pay $2.8 million in restitution. To protect yourself, be extremely cautious of investment opportunities offered by people you meet online, especially on social media, and never send money to unknown individuals or unverified cryptocurrency platforms.
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Robocalls / Phone Scams Financial Crime Cryptocurrency
kucoin.com · 2026-02-20
Chinese man sentenced to 40 months for crypto fraud scheme involving millions | KuCoin
A Chinese national was sentenced to 40 months in prison for laundering millions of dollars from cryptocurrency investment scams, including the deceptive "pig butchering" scheme that targets victims through social media and dating apps by building false trust before requesting cryptocurrency investments. Victims lose money when fraudulent platforms show fake returns and prevent withdrawals, with this case involving over $2.3 million in seized assets and $2.8 million in restitution. If you encounter these scams, report them to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) and preserve all communications, transaction records, and details about the fraudulent platform, cryptocurrency addresses, and suspect contact information.
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Bank Impersonation Robocalls / Phone Scams Scam Awareness Financial Crime Cryptocurrency Bank Transfer
eldoradospringsmo.com · 2026-02-19
Looking forloveeven after Valentine's Day? Look out for scams- El Dorado Springs Sun
# Romance Scams: What You Need to Know Romance scammers create fake dating profiles to build trust with victims over weeks or months, then exploit that relationship by asking for money or pushing cryptocurrency investments. Scammers are increasingly using AI tools to generate convincing conversations and realistic fake profiles, while also combining romance scams with investment schemes to steal thousands of dollars from victims. To protect yourself, be cautious of anyone who asks for money or personal information, makes excuses to avoid meeting in person, or seems unrealistically perfect—legitimate partners will be willing to meet face-to-face and won't pressure you for financial commitments.
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Phishing Robocalls / Phone Scams Scam Awareness Cryptocurrency Gift Cards Check/Cashier's Check
finance.yahoo.com · 2026-02-19
Opinion - Financial scams are on the rise — but what's being done about it?
Financial scams cost Americans at least $10 billion in 2023, with losses among older Americans surging from $600 million in 2020 to $2.4 billion in 2024, often involving large sums stolen through sophisticated schemes like the case of Marjorie Kessler, who lost over $2 million after being tricked into converting her retirement savings to gold and cryptocurrency. While the UN emphasizes that preventing scams requires strong legal and regulatory systems, American institutions like FINRA—which oversees brokerages holding most people's retirement savings—have failed to meaningfully address the epidemic. To protect yourself, be extremely skeptical of unsolicited requests to move funds or convert savings into alternative assets, verify requests directly with your financial institution through official channels, and report suspected scams to the FTC immediately.
Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Identity Theft Robocalls / Phone Scams General Elder Fraud Scam Awareness Financial Crime Cryptocurrency
thehill.com · 2026-02-19
Financial scams are on the rise — but what's being done about it?
Americans lost at least $10 billion to scams in 2023, with losses among older adults particularly devastating—jumping from $600 million in 2020 to $2.4 billion in 2024. One victim, Marjorie Kessler, was tricked into withdrawing over $2 million from her retirement savings under the false pretense that the U.S. Treasury needed to safeguard it, though she recovered only a portion. Experts and the United Nations emphasize that preventing these crimes requires stronger legal and regulatory systems rather than relying on individuals to protect themselves, particularly through oversight of financial institutions like FINRA that hold most Americans' retirement savings.
Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Identity Theft Robocalls / Phone Scams General Elder Fraud Scam Awareness Financial Crime Cryptocurrency
americanbanker.com · 2026-02-18
NY AG issues alert on crypto-basedpig butchering scams | American Banker
New York's Attorney General warned residents about "pig butchering" scams, where fraudsters create fake romantic or professional relationships on social media and dating apps to trick victims into investing in fake cryptocurrency platforms that disappear with their money. The scams are particularly damaging because victims often fall for follow-up "recovery" schemes where new fraudsters promise to return lost funds for a fee, resulting in additional losses. To protect yourself, avoid sending money or cryptocurrency to online strangers, thoroughly research anyone soliciting investments, and watch for red flags like pressure to use encrypted messaging or unfamiliar trading platforms.
Romance Scams Friendship Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Bank Impersonation Robocalls / Phone Scams Scam Awareness Financial Crime Cryptocurrency Wire Transfer Bank Transfer
decripto.org · 2026-02-17
Pig butchering scam, 74 million laundered and 20 years in prison for Daren Li - Decripto.org
A 20-year prison sentence was handed down to Daren Li for operating an international money laundering network that laundered $74 million through "pig butchering" crypto scams, a widespread fraud scheme where scammers pose as investment experts on messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram to build trust with victims before directing them to fake trading platforms that falsely show profits. Li fled before his sentencing in December 2024 and remains a fugitive, highlighting the global nature of this crime. To protect yourself, be wary of unsolicited investment advice from strangers on social media, verify that trading platforms are legitimate through official channels, and never deposit money based on promises of guaranteed returns.
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Tech Support Scams Phishing Scam Awareness Financial Crime Cryptocurrency
newsantaana.com · 2026-02-17
A scammer stole $40K from an Irvine resident after promising to secure their savings
An Irvine resident lost $40,000 after a scammer sent a fake bank fraud alert text, then called to convince them to withdraw their savings for "protection" and arranged for a courier to collect the cash. The police warn that legitimate banks never ask customers to withdraw money or send it via courier, and they advise people to hang up suspicious calls and verify directly with their bank using the number on their card. If you or an older family member receives similar urgent requests involving cash withdrawal or secrecy, it's a red flag—contact your bank immediately through official channels.
Robocalls / Phone Scams General Elder Fraud Scam Awareness Cash
abc.net.au · 2026-02-17
Louvre tour guides accused of orchestrating $16m ticketfraudring over a decade - ABC
# Louvre Ticket Fraud Summary A major fraud ring involving tour guides and Louvre employees allegedly stole approximately $16 million from the museum over more than a decade by reusing single-entry tickets for multiple tourist groups and bribing staff to stay silent. At least nine people were arrested in a Paris investigation that uncovered the scheme, which primarily involved foreign tour guides facilitating entry for Chinese tourists without proper payment. To protect yourself when visiting major attractions, purchase tickets directly from official sources and verify authenticity through the museum's website rather than through third-party tour operators.
Government Impersonation Financial Crime Cash
fortune.com · 2026-02-15
Romance scam from the front lines of the $16 billion fraud crisis - Fortune
# Romance Scams: A $16 Billion Crisis Romance scams have cost victims billions of dollars by exploiting emotional connections and trust. Scammers typically pose as romantic interests or trusted acquaintances, gradually building relationships before requesting money or accessing bank accounts under false pretenses—such as Kate Kleinert losing her life savings after being manipulated through a fake friendship, and Beth Hyland nearly transferring large sums after believing she was helping a romantic interest. To protect yourself, be suspicious of online relationships that quickly become intimate, never share banking credentials with anyone, verify claims through independent channels, and remember that scammers often use emotional manipulation and urgency to override your judgment.
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Government Impersonation Law Enforcement Impersonation Phishing Identity Theft Robocalls / Phone Scams General Elder Fraud Scam Awareness Financial Crime Cryptocurrency Crypto ATM Gift Cards Cash Bank Transfer
wvua23.com · 2026-02-15
online romance scammers want your money, not your love. Don't give it to them - WVUA 23
Online romance scams target lonely people of all ages by building emotional trust through fake personas before requesting money for supposed emergencies, with victims often losing thousands of dollars that are rarely recovered. The scammers—who may use stolen images or impersonate celebrities—exploit the emotional connection they've cultivated to manipulate victims into sending money repeatedly. If someone you've met online but never in person asks for money or gifts, that's a red flag to end contact immediately and report the situation to local authorities rather than continuing to send funds.
Romance Scams Government Impersonation Identity Theft Robocalls / Phone Scams General Elder Fraud Scam Awareness Financial Crime Cryptocurrency Wire Transfer
securitymagazine.com · 2026-02-14
Valentine's Day 2026: Inside the Industrial-Scale Romance Scam Economy
# Valentine's Day Romance Scam Summary Over 630,000 organized cybercriminals are running industrial-scale romance scams targeting millions of Americans on dating apps, with U.S. losses exceeding $1.3 billion annually and individual victims losing an average of $10,000 to $50,000 (often their entire life savings). Unlike the small-time catfishers of the past, these are professional operations with shift workers, quotas, and specialized roles that use fake personas, cryptocurrency exchanges, and VPNs to launder stolen money. To protect yourself, be cautious of anyone you meet online who quickly professes affection, asks for money or financial information, or avoids video calls—and report suspected scams to the FTC and your dating app platform.
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Law Enforcement Impersonation Tech Support Scams Sextortion Identity Theft Online Shopping Scams Robocalls / Phone Scams Scam Awareness Cryptocurrency
nationaltoday.com · 2026-02-14
Atlanta Man Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Rhode IslandSeniorsin Sweepstakes Scam
# Article Summary Patrick Dallas, a 38-year-old from Atlanta, pleaded guilty to defrauding elderly people in Rhode Island and other states through a fake Publishers Clearing House lottery scheme that stole over $1 million. The scammers told victims they had won large sums of money and then tricked them into paying upfront fees, taxes, or sending valuables like gift cards and watches to collect fake prizes. Seniors should be alert to sweepstakes and lottery scams that request personal information or upfront payments, as legitimate lotteries never require fees to claim winnings.
Lottery/Prize Scams General Elder Fraud Financial Crime Wire Transfer Gift Cards
blogs.lse.ac.uk · 2026-02-13
Inside Southeast Asia's industrialised fraud factories - LSE Business Review
An estimated 220,000 people are trapped in "scam compounds" across Cambodia and Myanmar, where they are held captive and forced to conduct online fraud targeting people worldwide. These industrialized operations are not hidden criminal enterprises but are openly embedded within legitimate business infrastructure, protected by government officials, and sustained by global financial systems. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited job offers from acquaintances (especially those promising high pay abroad), verify employment opportunities through official channels, and report suspicious online activity to authorities.
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Phishing Cryptocurrency
mb.ntd.com · 2026-02-13
FBI Warns of Romance Scams Ahead of Valentine's Day - NTD News
# Romance Scam Summary The FBI warned dating app users ahead of Valentine's Day about romance scams, where criminals build fake relationships to eventually ask victims for money, often claiming to work in construction outside the U.S. to justify avoiding in-person meetings. Victims—including elderly people—have lost over $1.12 billion to these scams in 2023 alone, with a median loss of $2,000 per person. To protect yourself, avoid sharing bank account information with online dating contacts and be suspicious of anyone who quickly proposes marriage, claims emergencies requiring money, or refuses to meet in person.
Romance Scams Investment Fraud Scam Awareness Financial Crime
press-herald.com · 2026-02-13
IRS Criminal Investigation Atlanta Field Office Officials use Valentine's Day to highlight romancefraud
# Romance Fraud Alert: What You Need to Know Romance scams have surged dramatically, with IRS Criminal Investigation cases more than tripling in the past year, particularly targeting older Americans and vulnerable individuals seeking connection. Victims often lose significant portions of their life savings or retirement funds through criminals posing as romantic partners on dating sites and social media, sometimes also using compromising photos for blackmail. To protect yourself, be cautious of online relationships that quickly escalate to requests for money, never send compromising photos to people you haven't met in person, verify identities through video calls, and report suspected fraud to authorities or the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-372-8311.
Romance Scams Government Impersonation Phishing Medicare Fraud General Elder Fraud Financial Crime Cryptocurrency Wire Transfer
wamc.org · 2026-02-13
fraud prevention with NYSP Investigator Kurt Strassberger 2/11/26 | WAMC
# Fraud Prevention Summary Millions of Americans fall victim to fraud each year, with elderly citizens particularly vulnerable to scams including romance schemes, tech support fraud, grandparent scams, and government impersonation plots. New York State Police Investigator Kurt Strassberger highlighted that common fraud tactics also include money mule schemes, cryptocurrency investment fraud, and business email compromise attacks. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited contact offering financial opportunities or tech support, verify requests through official channels before sharing personal information, and report suspicious activity to local law enforcement or the FBI.
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Lottery/Prize Scams Government Impersonation Tech Support Scams Identity Theft Grandparent Scams Online Shopping Scams Home Repair Scams General Elder Fraud Scam Awareness Financial Crime Cryptocurrency
infosecurity-magazine.com · 2026-02-12
US Court Hands Crypto Scammer 20 Years in $73m Case - Infosecurity Magazine
A Chinese national named Daren Li was sentenced to 20 years in prison for orchestrating a $73.6 million cryptocurrency investment fraud scheme that defrauded thousands of victims globally. The scam used multiple tactics including romance baiting (building fake relationships on social media and dating apps) and fake tech support calls to trick victims into depositing money into fraudulent crypto trading platforms. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited contact from strangers online asking you to invest in cryptocurrency, verify the legitimacy of websites before entering financial information, and remember that legitimate companies will never pressure you to wire money to fix computer problems.
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Online Shopping Scams Financial Crime Cryptocurrency Wire Transfer Bank Transfer
natlawreview.com · 2026-02-12
Victim's Attorney: Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Already Lost $6 Billion in Potential Value
The U.S. government seized nearly $15 billion worth of Bitcoin from the Prince Group in October 2025 as part of a fraud investigation, but the cryptocurrency's value has since plummeted to around $9 billion, resulting in a $6 billion loss in potential value. The Bitcoin seizure is tied to charges against Cambodia-based businessman Chen Zhi, who allegedly operated elaborate "pig butchering" investment scams that defrauded victims worldwide of billions of dollars through fake cryptocurrency schemes. Victims of the fraud are waiting for the outcome of ongoing legal proceedings while the government holds the seized assets, which continue to fluctuate in value with the volatile cryptocurrency market.
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Identity Theft Scam Awareness Financial Crime Cryptocurrency Wire Transfer
nationaltoday.com · 2026-02-12
U.S. Seized $15B in Bitcoin Now Down $6B in Value - National Today
The U.S. government seized approximately $15 billion in Bitcoin from the Prince Group in October 2025 as part of a major fraud case involving "pig butchering" cryptocurrency scams that victimized people worldwide, but the assets have lost about $6 billion in value due to Bitcoin's price decline while remaining frozen during ongoing legal proceedings. Victims are concerned about recovering their money as the case drags on, since market volatility and slow litigation could further erode the frozen assets. This case highlights the risks victims face when authorities seize digital assets—while asset forfeiture is a legitimate law enforcement tool, the lengthy legal process and cryptocurrency price swings leave fraud victims uncertain and potentially unable to recover their full losses.
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Financial Crime Cryptocurrency Wire Transfer
wtoc.com · 2026-02-12
IRS Warns of RomanceFraudThreats on Valentine's Day - WTOC
# Romance Scams Surge as Valentine's Day Approaches The IRS Criminal Investigation division is warning Americans about a dramatic surge in romance scams, which have tripled in the past year and particularly target older adults and people seeking relationships through dating apps and social media. Scammers create fake profiles to build emotional connections before requesting money or pressuring victims into sending compromising photos for blackmail, often resulting in victims losing their life savings or retirement funds. To protect yourself, be cautious of online relationships that quickly turn to requests for money, verify profiles independently, and report suspected fraud to the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-372-8311 if you're 60 or older.
Romance Scams Investment Fraud Government Impersonation Phishing General Elder Fraud Financial Crime Cryptocurrency Wire Transfer
katc.com · 2026-02-12
IRS warns of romance scams- KATC
The IRS is warning about romance scams, which have surged dramatically and often devastate older Americans and lonely individuals who lose money to criminals posing as romantic partners online. Scammers typically create fake profiles on dating sites and social media to build emotional connections before requesting money, or they extort victims using compromising photos. To protect yourself, be cautious of online dating profiles, never send money to people you haven't met in person, and report suspected fraud to authorities—seniors can call the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-FRAUD-11.
Romance Scams Government Impersonation General Elder Fraud Financial Crime Cryptocurrency Wire Transfer
yahoo.com · 2026-02-11
Fugitive foreigner sentenced in the U.S. to 20 years for $73 million crypto scam - Yahoo
A fugitive Chinese-Kittsian national named Daren Li was sentenced to 20 years in prison for orchestrating a $73 million cryptocurrency scam that defrauded American victims through fake investment schemes operated from Cambodia. Li and his co-conspirators used social media, dating apps, and phone calls to build trust with victims before tricking them into sending money to fraudulent crypto platforms or by impersonating tech support. To protect yourself, be wary of unsolicited investment opportunities and romantic connections from online strangers, verify any tech support requests directly with companies, and never send money or personal information to unknown parties offering financial opportunities.
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Robocalls / Phone Scams Financial Crime Cryptocurrency Wire Transfer
yahoo.com · 2026-02-11
US Sentences Fugitive to 20 Years Over $73 Million Crypto Scam - Yahoo
A U.S. court sentenced crypto scam organizer Daren Li to 20 years in prison for orchestrating a $73 million global fraud scheme that targeted American victims through social media and fake dating apps, though he fled electronic monitoring in December and remains at large. The scam, known as "pig butchering," used fake relationships and counterfeit crypto platforms to trick victims into sending money, with criminals exploiting cryptocurrency's ability to quickly move and hide stolen funds. To protect yourself, be wary of unsolicited investment offers online, especially from people building romantic or trust-based relationships, and verify that crypto platforms are legitimate before depositing any money.
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Financial Crime Cryptocurrency
yellow.com · 2026-02-11
U.S. Court Hands Down Maximum Sentence To Absent Fugitive Over $73 Million Crypto Fraud
A federal judge sentenced Daren Li, a 42-year-old fugitive, to 20 years in prison for orchestrating a $73 million cryptocurrency fraud scheme that targeted American victims through Cambodia-based scam operations. The scammers used social engineering tactics—including romance fraud, fake investment platforms, and impersonation—to deceive victims into sending money through spoofed cryptocurrency websites and shell companies. To protect yourself, be wary of unsolicited investment opportunities or romantic connections online, verify the legitimacy of trading platforms directly through official websites, and never send money to fix computer problems you didn't request.
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Government Impersonation Financial Crime Cryptocurrency
abc7ny.com · 2026-02-11
Look out for theseromance scam red flags from 7 On Your Side - ABC7 New York
# Romance Scam Summary Sophisticated romance scams are targeting dating app users, with one in four Americans reporting encounters with fake profiles or AI-generated bots in the past year. Scammers use stolen photos to build trust, then persuade victims to invest in cryptocurrency by showing fake profits and official-looking statements—two victims lost nearly $1 million and $80,000 respectively before realizing the accounts were frozen. To protect yourself, be wary of new matches who quickly pivot conversations to investment opportunities, verify profiles through reverse image searches, and never invest money with someone you've only met online.
Romance Scams Tech Support Scams Phishing Robocalls / Phone Scams Scam Awareness Cryptocurrency
bleepingcomputer.com · 2026-02-10
Fugitive behind $73M 'pig butchering' scheme gets 20 years in prison - Bleeping Computer
A major international cryptocurrency scam called "pig butchering" defrauded victims of over $73 million, resulting in a 20-year prison sentence for one of its operators, Daren Li, who fled before sentencing. In these scams, criminals build trust with victims through dating apps and social media before tricking them into fake investment schemes and stealing their cryptocurrency. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited investment offers from people you've met online, never send money to unknown individuals regardless of promised returns, and verify investment opportunities through official channels before participating.
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Phishing Scam Awareness Financial Crime Cryptocurrency Bank Transfer
kxan.com · 2026-02-10
New FBI data show older people in Austin facing largest losses in region to romance ...
# Romance and confidence scams are surging in Austin, with people over 50 losing approximately $19 million in 2025 alone, according to new FBI data—making the area a hotspot for fraudsters who specifically target older adults for their accumulated wealth and perceived lack of cybersecurity awareness. The scams typically involve elaborate trust-building schemes on dating sites and social media, where criminals pose as successful investors or romantic interests to manipulate victims into sending money. To protect yourself, the FBI advises remaining cautious of online relationships that quickly turn to financial matters, never sending money to people you've only met online, and verifying any investment opportunities through independent sources before committing funds.
Romance Scams Investment Fraud Government Impersonation Identity Theft Prescription Scams General Elder Fraud Scam Awareness Financial Crime Cryptocurrency Gift Cards
crypto.news · 2026-02-10
U.S. sentences crypto scam mastermind to 20 years over $73M fraud
A U.S. court sentenced crypto scam mastermind Daren Li to 20 years in prison for orchestrating a "pig butchering" fraud scheme that stole $73 million from victims through fake investment platforms and deceptive social media relationships, though Li fled the country and remains a fugitive. The scam operated out of overseas call centers that manipulated people into sending money by building fake trust, then laundered proceeds through shell companies and cryptocurrency. To protect yourself, be wary of unsolicited investment offers on social media, verify trading platforms independently, and never send money to unknown contacts—especially those requesting cryptocurrency transfers.
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Government Impersonation Robocalls / Phone Scams Financial Crime Cryptocurrency
krmg.com · 2026-02-10
BBB warn of romance scams that could leave you charged with a crime - KRMG
# Romance Scam Summary The Better Business Bureau warns that romance scams on dating apps can leave victims not only financially devastated but also potentially facing criminal charges. Scammers create fake online relationships, often claiming to be stranded abroad, and manipulate victims into becoming "money mules" by transferring stolen funds or pawning electronics on their behalf—actions that can result in felony convictions, as happened to an 80-year-old woman featured in an FBI case study. To protect yourself, be wary of anyone who repeatedly makes excuses to avoid meeting in person, never transfer money for someone you haven't met, ignore requests to open bank accounts for others, and heed warnings from bank employees or law enforcement if they alert you to potential fraud.
Romance Scams Financial Crime
kucoin.com · 2026-02-09
Tether Freezes $543M in Crypto for Turkish Money Laundering Probe - KuCoin
Tether, a major cryptocurrency company, froze $543 million in assets belonging to a Turkish man accused of running illegal betting platforms and money laundering, assisting Turkish authorities in their investigation. The suspect, Veysel Sahin, has been on the run since fleeing Turkey in early 2024 after initially being arrested in 2017. For those using cryptocurrency, this case demonstrates that law enforcement can trace and freeze digital assets, and highlights Tether's increasing cooperation with authorities to combat financial crimes including scams and money laundering.
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Cryptocurrency
timesfreepress.com · 2026-02-08
BBB warns of romance scam that tricks victims into laundering money
The Better Business Bureau warns that scammers are posing as romantic partners on dating apps and social media to manipulate victims into transferring money or laundering stolen funds, with potential victims facing both financial losses and serious legal consequences. These fraudsters build fake relationships that seem genuine, then create urgent scenarios—such as medical emergencies or investment opportunities—to pressure victims into sending money or helping move funds. To protect yourself, stay cautious on dating apps, be skeptical of requests for money from new connections, and avoid transferring funds or moving money on behalf of someone you've only met online.
Romance Scams Phishing Robocalls / Phone Scams Scam Awareness Financial Crime Wire Transfer Cash
zataz.com · 2026-02-08
Xinbi speeds its shift under law-enforcement pressure - ZATAZ
Xinbi, a Chinese-language marketplace operating on Telegram, is reorganizing its illicit services after law enforcement crackdowns, shifting to a new messaging app called SafeW and launching its own wallet service. The platform, which processes billions of dollars annually, facilitates high-risk transactions like money laundering and fraud related to "pig butchering" scams by offering escrow services and coordinating money mule networks. To protect yourself, be wary of unsolicited investment opportunities, verify financial platforms through official channels, and avoid transferring money through unfamiliar apps or intermediaries.
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Cryptocurrency
townandcountrymag.com · 2026-02-07
Are Your Children Stealing Your Fortune?
A woman discovered her brother, a former Wall Street executive, had failed to pay their 84-year-old mother's $20,000 monthly rent at a luxury senior living facility in Manhattan, despite having access to their mother's $9 million estate from a real estate sale. When the brother ignored repeated requests to resolve the unpaid bills, the sister flew to New York to investigate what turned out to be financial exploitation of their mother with dementia. The cautionary tale highlights how adult children with financial power over aging parents' accounts can mismanage or misappropriate funds, and emphasizes the importance of oversight, clear communication about financial responsibilities, and legal safeguards like power of attorney arrangements that include checks and balances among family members.
Investment Fraud Family Exploitation Robocalls / Phone Scams General Elder Fraud Financial Crime Wire Transfer Bank Transfer
cbsnews.com · 2026-02-06
Purported Nancy Guthrie ransom note demanded bitcoin. Could it be tracked?
Nancy Guthrie, mother of "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie, disappeared and a ransom note demanding bitcoin payment with deadlines of Thursday 5 p.m. or Monday emerged. Despite bitcoin's semi-anonymous reputation, law enforcement experts confirm that all blockchain transactions are publicly recorded and traceable, with the ability to track wallet addresses, identify exchanges used for cashing out, and subpoena customer information from regulated U.S. crypto exchanges—providing potentially better investigative leads than traditional ransom payment methods like cash or valuables.
Crypto Investment Scams Kidnapping/Ransom Scams Financial Crime Cryptocurrency
womansworld.com · 2026-02-06
Money Mule Scam Red Flags Every Person Should Know | Woman's World
Money mule scams are a serious fraud scheme where criminals trick unsuspecting people into receiving stolen funds in their bank accounts and then transferring the money elsewhere, often using promises of easy money or by building trust through romance scams. Victims can face severe consequences including criminal charges, frozen accounts, fines, and damaged credit—even though they may not realize they're committing a crime. To protect yourself, be suspicious of anyone asking you to transfer money on their behalf, especially if they promise high pay for minimal work or if you've only recently met them.
Romance Scams Investment Fraud Phishing General Elder Fraud Scam Awareness Cryptocurrency Wire Transfer Gift Cards Payment App
azag.gov · 2026-02-06
Attorney General Mayes Warns Against Sports Betting Scams and Unregulated Prediction ...
# Arizona Attorney General Warns Against Sports Betting Scams Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes is warning sports fans, particularly ahead of Super Bowl Sunday, to avoid illegal sportsbooks and unregulated prediction markets that lack proper oversight, security protections, and compliance standards. Fraudsters use these unregulated operations to steal winnings, personal information, and financial data from bettors, while also evading anti-money laundering laws. Arizonans can protect themselves by only using legal, regulated betting platforms, and those struggling with gambling addiction can call 1-800-NEXT-STEP for free confidential counseling.
Phishing Scam Awareness
yahoo.com · 2026-02-06
Don't letromance scammers break your heart or the bank, FBI warns - Yahoo
# Romance Scam Summary The FBI is warning the public about romance scams, particularly around Valentine's Day, where scammers create fake identities and pose as romantic partners to steal money from victims. In 2024 alone, nearly 18,000 people lost over $670 million to these scams, which can take various forms including simple requests for money due to hardship, cryptocurrency fraud, or "money mule" schemes where victims unknowingly help criminals move stolen funds. To protect yourself, watch for red flags like reluctance to meet in person, requests for money or personal information, and pressure to move conversations off dating apps—and remember that if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Phishing Cryptocurrency Wire Transfer Check/Cashier's Check Money Order / Western Union
bbc.com · 2026-02-05
Datingsite con: 'I clicked on the wrong person who became my scammer' - BBC
An 85-year-old great-grandmother named Dorothy Fox lost £10,000 to a romance scammer who posed as a man named "Mark" on a dating site, gradually building trust before requesting money under false pretenses. The perpetrator, Johnson Ani Opare, was convicted of money laundering in 2017 and ordered to repay her, but over eight years later, nearly £7,000 remains outstanding with little hope of recovery. To protect yourself, be cautious of dating app matches who quickly ask for money, avoid sending funds to online contacts you haven't met in person, and verify suspicious photos and addresses before sharing personal information or money.
Romance Scams
savingadvice.com · 2026-02-05
7 Ways Bank Accounts Are Being Frozen forSeniorsin 2026 - SavingAdvice.com Blog
Banks are increasingly freezing senior accounts in 2026 under new anti-fraud regulations designed to protect against the $3 billion annual wave of elder financial scams, but these protective measures often backfire by blocking legitimate transactions like large purchases or family gifts for days at a time. Seniors on fixed incomes face genuine hardship when their debit cards are declined at pharmacies and stores, as new federal rules allow holds of 5+ business days while banks conduct investigations, and state "Safe Harbor" laws encourage financial institutions to freeze accounts with legal immunity. To protect yourself, seniors should notify their banks before making large, one-time transactions, maintain detailed records of legitimate spending patterns, and ask about their institution's fraud hold procedures to avoid being caught off-guard.
Grandparent Scams Robocalls / Phone Scams General Elder Fraud Scam Awareness Financial Crime Wire Transfer Cash Payment App
inkl.com · 2026-02-05
7 Ways Bank Accounts Are Being Frozen forSeniorsin 2026 - inkl
Banks are freezing senior accounts at record rates in 2026 due to aggressive anti-fraud measures designed to combat the $3 billion annual wave of elder financial scams, but these protective tools often backfire by blocking legitimate transactions like large purchases or family gifts. Seniors are particularly vulnerable to these freezes because new federal rules allow holds lasting up to 5+ business days with minimal recourse, turning inconveniences into crises for those on fixed incomes. To protect yourself, seniors should notify their banks before making large one-time transactions, maintain clear documentation of legitimate spending, and ask about their bank's fraud hold policies to understand potential delays.
Grandparent Scams Robocalls / Phone Scams General Elder Fraud Scam Awareness Financial Crime Wire Transfer Cash Payment App
paymentsjournal.com · 2026-02-05
Japan Retreats from Chinese Payment Apps Amid Money Laundering Concerns
Japanese retailers are discontinuing acceptance of WeChat Pay and Alipay, China's major digital payment apps, citing concerns that criminal groups have been using these platforms to launder money by purchasing high-value goods in Japan for resale. The shift, which began in February, was triggered by Japan's stricter anti-money laundering enforcement and cooling diplomatic relations between the two countries, though Chinese tourists and businesses that once relied on these payment systems are now affected. To protect yourself, be cautious when dealing with unusually large cash transactions or purchasing expensive items from unknown sources, and report suspicious financial activity to local authorities.
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Cryptocurrency Bank Transfer
finance.yahoo.com · 2026-02-03
Gold bars, crypto, and cash are fueling new scams. What to watch for. - Yahoo Finance
An FBI investigation shut down an international scam operation with call centers in India that defrauded 660 Americans of over $48 million since 2022 by impersonating government officials and tech support to steal gold bars, cryptocurrency, and cash. Victims, many elderly and concentrated in Maryland, were told their identities or families were in danger, prompting them to drain savings and purchase gold or crypto to "protect" their assets, which they then handed to couriers. To avoid becoming a victim, be skeptical of unsolicited emails or calls claiming government emergencies, never wire money or buy precious metals based on official-sounding threats, and verify any suspicious claims by contacting government agencies directly through official channels.
Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Government Impersonation Law Enforcement Impersonation Phishing Scam Awareness Financial Crime Cryptocurrency Wire Transfer Gift Cards Cash
thetruecitizen.com · 2026-02-03
Tips onRomance Scams around Valentine's Day - The True Citizen
Romance scams spike around Valentine's Day, with scammers creating fake profiles on dating sites and building false relationships to eventually request money from victims under various pretexts like emergencies or investment opportunities. These schemes affect people seeking love online, with victims sometimes losing significant amounts of money through repeated requests or cryptocurrency investment fraud. To protect yourself, be cautious of online dating matches who avoid meeting in person, claim to be military or overseas, and eventually ask for money—verify their identity through video calls and never send funds to people you haven't met in person.
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Phishing Identity Theft Scam Awareness Financial Crime Cryptocurrency Check/Cashier's Check
bethesdamagazine.com · 2026-02-03
MoCo residents targeted byfraudschemes warn others to stay vigilant - Bethesda Magazine
Ten individuals have been indicted in connection with government impersonation scams that targeted Montgomery County residents and hundreds of people nationwide, resulting in over $48 million in losses. Senior citizens like an 82-year-old Rockville woman were deceived by fraudulent emails claiming to be from the Social Security Administration, pressuring victims to transfer their savings to overseas accounts or convert funds into gold, cryptocurrency, or cash. To protect yourself, authorities advise being skeptical of unsolicited government communications, never transferring money based on urgent threats, and verifying requests directly through official government channels rather than using contact information provided in suspicious emails.
Investment Fraud Government Impersonation Law Enforcement Impersonation Phishing Benefits Fraud Robocalls / Phone Scams General Elder Fraud Scam Awareness Financial Crime Cryptocurrency Wire Transfer Gift Cards
cambodgemag.com · 2026-02-03
Cambodia's Invisible Scam Empire: Raids, Resilience, and Relentless Networks
# Cambodia's Scam Centers: Mass Arrests and Persistent Networks Cambodia's underground fraud operations have resulted in massive arrests, with authorities detaining over 2,000 suspects in a single January 2026 raid on the A7 casino complex in Svay Rieng, along with more than 5,000 arrests throughout 2025—targeting international criminal networks running sophisticated scams like romance fraud ("pig-butchering"), deepfakes, and sextortion. Despite these efforts and the closure of 92 sites, the criminal networks have shown remarkable resilience and ability to quickly relocate, suggesting possible corruption within enforcement agencies and the highly organized nature of these syndicates. To protect yourself, be cautious of unexpected romantic advances online, job offers that seem too good to be true, and requests for personal information or money from unknown contacts—and verify identities through independent channels before engaging financially or emotionally.
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Sextortion Cryptocurrency
police.gov.sg · 2026-02-02
24 Persons To Be Charged For Suspected Involvement In Scam-Related Money Mule Activities
Police have arrested 24 people aged 16-51 for acting as money mules in various scams—including impersonation, job, e-commerce, investment, romance, and sexual services frauds—that caused over $3.1 million in losses to victims. The suspects allegedly facilitated scams by selling their bank accounts, transferring stolen funds, registering fraudulent SIM cards, and disclosing personal credentials to criminal syndicates. To protect yourself, never share banking passwords, never allow others to use your bank account or identity, and be cautious about unsolicited job offers or romantic advances online.
Romance Scams Investment Fraud Government Impersonation Benefits Fraud Financial Crime Bank Transfer
techpolicy.press · 2026-02-02
US Congress Targets 'Pig-Butchering' Scams as Cybercrime Outpaces Policy
"Pig-butchering" scams—where criminals gradually extract money from victims before abandoning them—are surging in the US, with Americans losing an estimated $10 billion in 2024 alone (a 66% increase from 2023), prompting Congress to introduce multiple bills including the Dismantle Foreign Scam Syndicates Act to combat these transnational operations. The scams, primarily run by Southeast Asian syndicates that have diversified away from Chinese targets following local crackdowns, are becoming increasingly sophisticated with AI tools, while critics argue the proposed legislation doesn't adequately address tech platforms and cryptocurrency exchanges that enable the fraud. To protect yourself, remain skeptical of unsolicited romantic or investment opportunities online, verify requests for money through independent channels, and report suspected scams to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Government Impersonation Tech Support Scams Phishing Online Shopping Scams Robocalls / Phone Scams General Elder Fraud Scam Awareness Financial Crime Cryptocurrency
whio.com · 2026-02-02
Area university student charged in alleged money laundering scheme targetingelderlyvictims
A University of Toledo student and another individual were charged in a money laundering scheme involving scams that targeted elderly victims, with one victim losing over $40,000 after being deceived by the suspects posing as tech workers or government officials. The scammers used pressure tactics and promises to solve problems in order to convince victims to hand over money in cash, gold, and cryptocurrency. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited visitors, refuse to make immediate payments, and verify any claims through official channels before sending money—especially if someone demands cash, gold, or cryptocurrency.
Investment Fraud Government Impersonation Phishing Robocalls / Phone Scams General Elder Fraud Cryptocurrency Payment App
financialexpress.com · 2026-02-01
Fake Microsoft schemes, gold bar payments: How 2 Indian-origin men duped theelderlyin ...
Two Indian-origin men have been charged with money laundering for allegedly defrauding elderly people across Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Ohio through schemes impersonating tech workers, Microsoft support, PayPal representatives, and FTC officials. The scammers targeted vulnerable seniors, with at least one victim losing $40,000 in cash. Elderly people should be cautious of unsolicited calls about computer problems or account issues, verify caller identity through official channels, and never send money or personal information to unknown callers claiming to represent major companies or government agencies.
Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Government Impersonation Tech Support Scams General Elder Fraud Scam Awareness Financial Crime Cryptocurrency Cash Payment App
chaincatcher.com · 2026-02-01
A man in Beijing was sentenced to 46 months for participating in a $36.9 million virtual ...
A 46-year-old Beijing man was sentenced to nearly four years in prison for his role as the "accountant" in a massive "pig butchering" scam that defrauded 174 American victims of $36.9 million through fake cryptocurrency investment platforms. The scam operated by building trust with victims via social media and dating apps, then directing them to invest in fraudulent platforms where their money was quickly converted to cryptocurrency and sent to criminal operations in Southeast Asia. To protect yourself, be extremely cautious of romantic or investment contacts on social media and dating apps, verify the legitimacy of any investment platform independently, and never send money to unknown parties claiming to offer cryptocurrency investments.
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Bank Impersonation Robocalls / Phone Scams Scam Awareness Cryptocurrency
odaily.news · 2026-02-01
Caixin: Beijing Man Sentenced to 3 Years and 10 Months for Participating in US "Pig...
A Beijing man named Su Jingliang was sentenced to nearly four years in prison and ordered to pay $26.87 million in restitution for his role as an accountant in a major "pig butchering" fraud scheme that defrauded 174 American victims of over $36.9 million. In this type of scam, fraudsters build fake relationships with victims through dating apps and social media, then trick them into investing money on fraudulent cryptocurrency platforms. To protect yourself, be extremely cautious of investment opportunities from people you've only met online, verify the legitimacy of any trading platform through official channels, and never send money to unknown accounts.
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Cryptocurrency
the420.in · 2026-01-31
MumbaiSeniorCitizen Duped of ₹1.27 Crore in 'Digital Arrest' CyberFraud- The420.in
An 85-year-old retired scientist in Mumbai lost ₹1.27 crore in a "digital arrest" scam where criminals impersonated police and CBI officials, falsely accusing him of money laundering and threatening arrest and legal consequences for his family. The fraudsters used forged documents, video calls, and psychological pressure to convince the victim to transfer the money in multiple transactions between early December 2025. To protect yourself, verify government officials' identities through official channels rather than phone numbers provided by callers, never transfer money under pressure from alleged law enforcement, and report suspicious calls claiming to be from police or agencies to actual authorities immediately.
Government Impersonation Law Enforcement Impersonation Robocalls / Phone Scams General Elder Fraud Financial Crime Bank Transfer
yahoo.com · 2026-01-31
US Court Sentences Chinese National to Nearly 4 Years for $37M Crypto Fraud - Yahoo
A Chinese national was sentenced to nearly 4 years in prison for his role in a $37 million cryptocurrency investment scam that defrauded 174 American victims through fake investment websites and social media manipulation. The scammers used sophisticated techniques to gain trust online, create counterfeit crypto trading platforms, and launder stolen money through international banks and cryptocurrency exchanges. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited investment offers on social media and dating apps, verify that investment websites are legitimate before sending money, and remember that legitimate investments won't pressure you or promise guaranteed returns.
Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Financial Crime Cryptocurrency
foxnews.com · 2026-01-31
Los Angeles hospice fraud a $3.5 billion scam epidemic, Dr. Oz says | Fox News
# Hospice Fraud Summary Fraudulent hospice providers in Los Angeles County are allegedly stealing $3.5 billion from Medicare by billing for fake patients, unnecessary services, and poor care, with some operators even enrolling seniors without their knowledge. According to Dr. Mehmet Oz and California's Attorney General, the problem has grown into an "epidemic," enabled by lax oversight that allows individuals to own unlimited hospices and even apply from overseas. To protect yourself, verify any hospice enrollment directly with Medicare, ask your doctor about your care plan, and report suspicious billing or unsolicited hospice enrollment to your state's attorney general.
Medicare Fraud General Elder Fraud Financial Crime
gg2.net · 2026-01-31
Indian sentenced to 18 years in US for multimillion-dollarelder fraudand money laundering
A 23-year-old Indian national was sentenced to 18 years in prison for his role in an elder fraud scheme that stole over $6.6 million from elderly Americans across multiple states. The fraud operation deceived seniors into liquidating their retirement accounts and converting assets to cash or gold by convincing them their money was at risk, then had couriers like the defendant collect the assets. Seniors should be cautious of unsolicited calls or messages claiming their savings are in danger and verify any such claims directly with their financial institutions before taking any action.
Investment Fraud Robocalls / Phone Scams General Elder Fraud Financial Crime Wire Transfer
gg2.net · 2026-01-31
Indian Sentenced To 18 Years In US For Multimillion-dollarElder FraudAnd Money Laundering
# Elder Fraud Scam Summary A 23-year-old Indian national was sentenced to 18 years in prison for his role in a major fraud scheme targeting elderly Americans, in which he personally collected over $6.6 million in cash and gold from victims across multiple states. Scammers convinced seniors that their money was at risk and persuaded them to liquidate retirement accounts and convert assets into cash or gold, which the defendant then collected as a courier for the operation. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited calls claiming your finances are in danger, verify any financial concerns directly with your bank or financial advisor, and never liquidate savings based on pressure from callers.
Investment Fraud Robocalls / Phone Scams General Elder Fraud Financial Crime Wire Transfer
aol.com · 2026-01-31
Arizona woman loses $1.5M to an online scam after simply trying to fix her TV's closed ...
An Arizona woman lost $1.5 million after clicking on a fake tech support website while searching for help with her TV's closed captioning, demonstrating how scammers use convincing fake websites and remote access software to systematically drain victims' accounts over time. The Federal Trade Commission reports that scams targeting older adults have surged dramatically, with a fourfold increase in victims losing $10,000 or more and a sevenfold increase in scams exceeding $100,000. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited tech support offers, avoid clicking links from search results when seeking help, and never grant remote access to your computer or pay upfront fees to unknown callers—instead, contact companies directly using official phone numbers from their legitimate websites.
Investment Fraud Tech Support Scams Phishing Robocalls / Phone Scams General Elder Fraud Scam Awareness Financial Crime Cryptocurrency Wire Transfer Gift Cards
mondaq.com · 2026-01-31
Byteing Back: Investors May Recover In Alleged Massive "Pig Butchering" Scam - Fin Tech - Mondaq
U.S. authorities have seized approximately $15 billion in bitcoin from a massive "pig butchering" scam operated by Chen Zhi's Prince Group in Cambodia, where thousands of trafficked workers used fake social media accounts to trick victims into fraudulent cryptocurrency investments with promises of fake profits. Over 250 victims across the U.S. and New York have been identified, and affected investors may now recover their stolen funds through government recovery mechanisms that remain open even after initial deadlines. To protect yourself, be extremely cautious of unsolicited investment offers from strangers online—especially on dating apps and social media—and verify any investment opportunity through official channels before sending money.
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Tech Support Scams Financial Crime Cryptocurrency Wire Transfer
zycrypto.com · 2026-01-31
US Sentences Chinese National in Major $36M Crypto Money Laundering Case - ZyCrypto
A Chinese national, Jingliang Su, was sentenced to 46 months in prison for orchestrating a $36.9 million cryptocurrency money-laundering scheme that defrauded 174 Americans through fake investment websites promoted on social media. The scam, known as "pig butchering," involved overseas conspirators building trust with victims before directing them to fraudulent crypto platforms that promised investment gains that never materialized; the stolen funds were laundered through shell companies and converted to Tether before being moved to accounts in Cambodia and the Bahamas. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited investment offers on social media from unknown contacts, verify that investment platforms are legitimate before sending money, and remember that no real investment opportunity will pressure you to quickly transfer funds to cryptocurrency.
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Tech Support Scams Cryptocurrency Bank Transfer
yahoo.com · 2026-01-30
San Antonio entrepreneur agrees to plead guilty to huge real estatefraud, pay back $66M
San Antonio real estate entrepreneur Devin Elder has agreed to plead guilty to wire fraud after defrauding approximately 345 investors of millions of dollars through what prosecutors describe as a Ponzi scheme, where he used money from new investors to pay earlier ones while making false promises about property investments and guaranteed returns. Elder must repay $66 million to his victims and faces up to 20 years in federal prison. Investors should be wary of real estate deals promising guaranteed high returns (like Elder's promised 10% annually) and verify that investment funds are separately managed for each project rather than commingled together.
Investment Fraud Financial Crime Wire Transfer
wtol.com · 2026-01-30
University of Toledo student charged in alleged money laundering scheme targetingelderlyvictims
# Fraud Scam Summary A University of Toledo student and another individual were charged in a federal investigation for allegedly running a money laundering scheme that targeted elderly victims through impersonation scams. The suspects posed as tech workers or government representatives to pressure seniors into sending large sums of money via cash, gold, and cryptocurrency, with one Toledo victim losing $40,000. Experts advise families to discuss scam tactics with elderly relatives and be wary of unsolicited contact demanding immediate payment in cash or cryptocurrency, as these are major red flags for fraud.
Investment Fraud Phishing Robocalls / Phone Scams General Elder Fraud Cryptocurrency Payment App
mk.co.kr · 2026-01-30
The couple's fraud team, which participated in aromance scams (love-child fraud) criminal group in
# Romance Scam Summary A couple in their 30s used deepfake technology to create fake identities and romance scam victims through social media, stealing approximately 12 billion won (about $9 million USD) from 104 victims by convincing them to invest in stocks and cryptocurrencies. The couple operated from a crime complex in Cambodia as part of a larger organized criminal network, and South Korean police have arrested 39 people involved in the scheme and are investigating 83 total members. People should be cautious about unsolicited romantic advances online and avoid get-rich-quick job offers, as scammers often target young adults with promises of easy money.
Romance Scams Investment Fraud Law Enforcement Impersonation Financial Crime
paymentsjournal.com · 2026-01-30
As Crypto Money Laundering Soars, Governments Seek Ways to Fight Back
Cryptocurrency money laundering has exploded to at least $82 billion annually, with Chinese-language networks processing roughly $40 million daily through platforms like Telegram, which now serves as a hub for illegal financial services that traditional crypto exchanges have largely shut down. The scams primarily victimize people through "pig butchering" schemes and other digital crimes, while law enforcement struggles with the international nature of these operations, though some successes have been achieved through international cooperation, such as dismantling the Huione Group in October. To protect yourself, be cautious of unsolicited investment opportunities on social media and messaging apps, verify the legitimacy of cryptocurrency platforms through official channels, and report suspicious activity to authorities like FinCEN.
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Government Impersonation Scam Awareness Financial Crime Cryptocurrency Bank Transfer
inrng.com · 2026-01-30
Pogacar and Ku Coin - The Inner Ring
Cryptocurrency exchange KuCoin hired professional cyclist Tadej Pogačar as a brand ambassador despite the company's troubled regulatory history, including fines in the US, Canada, and Europe, and a guilty plea for failing to implement anti-money laundering protections that allowed it to process billions in suspicious transactions. The company has been linked to facilitating proceeds from darknet markets, ransomware, and fraud schemes, raising questions about why a high-profile athlete would associate with such a platform. For consumers, the key takeaway is to be cautious about endorsements from celebrities or athletes for cryptocurrency platforms and independently verify any crypto company's regulatory standing and history before investing or trading.
Romance Scams Investment Fraud Law Enforcement Impersonation Scam Awareness Financial Crime Cryptocurrency
yahoo.com · 2026-01-29
Chinese National Receives 46-Month Sentence in $36.9 Million Crypto Money Laundering Case
A Chinese national was sentenced to nearly four years in prison for laundering over $36.9 million stolen from 174 American victims through a fake cryptocurrency investment scam. The criminals contacted people via social media, dating apps, and phone calls, gaining their trust before directing them to fraudulent websites that mimicked legitimate trading platforms and stealing their money. To protect yourself, be wary of unsolicited investment pitches on social media or dating apps, verify websites directly through official channels rather than links provided by contacts, and remember that legitimate investments won't pressure you to act quickly.
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Robocalls / Phone Scams Scam Awareness Financial Crime Cryptocurrency
cryptorank.io · 2026-01-29
Chinese National Jailed for Laundering $36.9M From CryptoPig-Butchering Scam
# Pig Butchering Scam Summary A Chinese national named Jingliang Su was sentenced to 46 months in prison for laundering $36.9 million stolen from a "pig butchering" cryptocurrency scam that defrauded at least 174 American victims. The scam typically begins with scammers building trust with victims through social media or dating apps, then convincing them to invest in fake cryptocurrency trading platforms before stealing their money. To protect yourself, be extremely cautious of unsolicited investment offers involving cryptocurrency, especially those from people you've met online, and verify investment platforms independently before sending any money.
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Robocalls / Phone Scams Scam Awareness Cryptocurrency
kucoin.com · 2026-01-29
Chinese National Sentenced to 46 Months in $36.9M Crypto Money Laundering Case
A Chinese national was sentenced to nearly four years in prison for laundering over $36.9 million stolen from 174 US victims through a fake cryptocurrency investment scam. The criminal network used social media, dating apps, and fake websites mimicking legitimate trading platforms to trick victims into sending money, then falsely showed them growing investment returns while stealing their funds. To protect yourself, be skeptical of unsolicited investment offers online, verify websites directly through official channels rather than links provided by contacts, and never transfer money based on promises from unknown individuals on social media or dating platforms.
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Robocalls / Phone Scams Scam Awareness Financial Crime Cryptocurrency
hospicenews.com · 2026-01-28
California Revokes 280 Hospice Licenses inFraudFight; Congressional Hearing Set
California has revoked over 280 fraudulent hospice licenses in the past two years as part of a crackdown on schemes where operators enrolled Medicare patients in hospice care without their knowledge or proper services, potentially costing billions in taxpayer money. The fraud affected vulnerable elderly patients across multiple states including Arizona, Nevada, Texas, Georgia, and Ohio, with some operators using illegal tactics like "license flipping" to avoid regulatory oversight. Patients and their families should verify hospice provider legitimacy through state licensing boards and Medicare's official resources, and report suspicious enrollment or lack of services to federal authorities immediately.
Investment Fraud Medicare Fraud General Elder Fraud Scam Awareness Financial Crime
ap7am.com · 2026-01-28
Courier in internationalelder fraud scheme sentenced after jury conviction in US - AP7AM
A 23-year-old man named Atharva Shailesh Sathawane has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for his role in an international fraud scheme that targeted elderly Americans, convincing them to liquidate retirement accounts and convert their savings into cash and gold, which he then collected and delivered to co-conspirators. The scheme resulted in millions of dollars in losses and particularly affected Florida's large retiree population, though such scams occur across the country. Seniors should be cautious of unsolicited contact pressuring them to liquidate savings or convert assets to cash or gold, and should contact law enforcement if they suspect fraud.
Investment Fraud Government Impersonation Robocalls / Phone Scams General Elder Fraud Scam Awareness Financial Crime Wire Transfer
punchng.com · 2026-01-28
Suspected Internet fraudster arraigned for $7000romance scam- Punch Newspapers
A man in Lagos, Nigeria has been arraigned in Federal High Court for allegedly running a romance scam that defrauded two victims of $7,000 between 2019 and 2024. The suspect, Samson Onaolapo, is accused of impersonating an American named Scott Spark via email to convince the victims to send money. To protect yourself from similar scams, be cautious of online relationships that quickly ask for money, verify the identity of people you meet online through video calls or other means, and never send funds to people you haven't met in person.
Romance Scams Inheritance Scams Law Enforcement Impersonation
consumerfed.org · 2026-01-28
Follow The Money: Bridging Consumer Protection and Illicit Finance to Stop Scams
Fraud reports to the Federal Trade Commission have exploded from 325,000 in 2001 to 6.5 million in 2024, driven by technological advances and AI that make scams easier and more damaging. Criminals increasingly exploit mainstream financial institutions and payment apps to move stolen money, yet regulatory agencies remain disconnected in their oversight, leaving consumers vulnerable. Experts recommend that policymakers and financial regulators better coordinate their efforts to catch illicit transactions and protect scam victims, since current fragmented enforcement allows institutions to avoid accountability for compliance failures.
Tech Support Scams Scam Awareness Payment App
ap7am.com · 2026-01-28
Courier in internationalelder fraud scheme sentenced after jury conviction in US - AP7AM
A 23-year-old courier named Atharva Shailesh Sathawane was sentenced to 18 years in prison for his role in an international elder fraud scheme that targeted elderly retirees, convincing them to liquidate retirement accounts and convert savings into cash and gold. Sathawane, who was illegally in the US on an overstayed student visa, traveled to victims' homes to collect the proceeds and deliver them to co-conspirators abroad, resulting in millions of dollars in losses. Seniors should be cautious of unsolicited requests to liquidate savings or convert assets into cash or gold, verify requests through independent channels before taking action, and contact law enforcement immediately if they suspect fraud.
Investment Fraud Government Impersonation Robocalls / Phone Scams General Elder Fraud Scam Awareness Financial Crime Wire Transfer
wired.com · 2026-01-28
He Leaked the Secrets of a Southeast Asian Scam Compound. Then He Had to Get Out Alive
A journalist received an encrypted message from an insider at a Southeast Asian scam compound who was being forced to work as a computer engineer for a major "pig butchering" operation—where scammers pose as romantic interests to trick victims into investing money they never see again. The operation, staffed by hundreds of thousands of trafficked laborers in Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos and controlled by Chinese organized crime groups, generates tens of billions of dollars annually by devastating victims worldwide who lose their life savings. To protect yourself, be extremely cautious about online romantic relationships that quickly pivot to investment opportunities, verify investment advice through independent channels, and report suspected romance scams to authorities immediately.
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Government Impersonation Phishing Kidnapping/Ransom Scams Robocalls / Phone Scams Scam Awareness Financial Crime Cryptocurrency Check/Cashier's Check
therecord.media · 2026-01-28
Chinese money launderers moved more than $16 billion of illicit crypto in 2025, report finds
Chinese money laundering networks processed over $16 billion in illicit cryptocurrency during 2025, representing about 20% of all criminal crypto activity globally, with organized groups advertising their services on platforms like Telegram to help criminals hide stolen funds. The networks have become sophisticated operations that quickly adapt to law enforcement crackdowns by moving to new platforms, using tactics like money mules and cryptocurrency swaps to obscure the origins of stolen money. To protect yourself, avoid cryptocurrency transactions with unknown parties, be wary of investment opportunities promoting guaranteed returns, and report suspicious crypto activity to authorities or blockchain analytics firms.
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Phishing Financial Crime Cryptocurrency
tradingview.com · 2026-01-28
Crypto Funds Funneled To Money Launderers Hit $82 Billion, According To Chainalysis
# Crypto Money Laundering Surges to $82 Billion Cryptocurrency-based money laundering has skyrocketed from $10 billion in 2020 to over $82 billion by 2025, according to blockchain analytics firm Chainalysis, with Chinese-language money laundering networks now accounting for roughly 20% of all illicit crypto laundering activity. These networks, which operate primarily through Telegram and are heavily involved in laundering funds from "pig butchering" scams (where criminals pose as romantic interests to steal money), are growing exponentially faster than legitimate crypto exchanges and other laundering channels. To protect themselves, users should be cautious of unsolicited investment opportunities or romantic advances online, verify the legitimacy of cryptocurrency platforms before using them, and consider that rapid growth in personal crypto accounts—especially from people they've recently met—could be a red flag for scam activity.
Romance Scams Scam Awareness Cryptocurrency
decrypt.co · 2026-01-28
Exodus from Cambodian Scam Compounds Creates 'Humanitarian Crisis': Amnesty
Thousands of people are escaping or being released from online scam compounds in Cambodia, creating a humanitarian crisis as survivors are left stranded without government support or access to consular assistance. Amnesty International estimates that at least 220,000 people work in scam compounds across Southeast Asia, with recent mass exits leaving international victims from multiple continents in urgent need of help to return home. People affected should seek immediate assistance from their country's embassy or consulate and contact international organizations like UNODC to access support services for trafficking survivors.
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Financial Crime Cryptocurrency Wire Transfer
impactpolicies.org · 2026-01-28
Child Slaves in 53 Compounds: Amnesty Slams Cambodia's Humanitarian Failure
Amnesty International's investigation has exposed at least 53 scamming compounds across Cambodia run by Chinese criminal syndicates that trap thousands of people—including children as young as nine—in forced labor and abuse to perpetrate global cyberfraud schemes worth billions of dollars. Vulnerable workers are lured through deceptive job postings on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, then imprisoned in fortified facilities where they face beatings, sexual assault, and violence if they fail to meet fraud targets. While Cambodia's government freed over 3,000 trafficking victims in a July 2025 crackdown, Amnesty International warns the effort is grossly inadequate, with more than two-thirds of compounds escaping scrutiny or continuing operations, and advises people to be extremely cautious about high-paying job offers online, particularly those promising quick wealth and exotic locations.
Romance Scams Scam Awareness Financial Crime
americanbanker.com · 2026-01-27
Fraudcourier sentenced for stealing millions fromseniors| American Banker
A 23-year-old Indian national was sentenced to 18 years in prison for serving as a courier in a fraud scheme that stole over $6.6 million from elderly Americans. The scammers impersonated federal agents and tech support to trick seniors into liquidating retirement accounts and purchasing gold bars, which couriers like Sathawane collected and laundered through the financial system. Seniors should be vigilant against unsolicited calls claiming identity theft or urgent account issues, verify any such claims directly with their banks using official numbers, and never transfer retirement funds based on pressure from callers.
Investment Fraud Robocalls / Phone Scams General Elder Fraud Scam Awareness Financial Crime Wire Transfer
ianslive.in · 2026-01-27
Courier in internationalelder fraud scheme sentenced after jury conviction in US
A 23-year-old courier named Atharva Shailesh Sathawane was sentenced to 18 years in prison for his role in an international fraud scheme targeting elderly Americans, particularly retirees in Florida. The scam convinced victims to liquidate their retirement accounts and convert savings into cash and gold, which Sathawane then collected from their homes and delivered to co-conspirators operating abroad, resulting in millions of dollars in losses. To protect yourself, be suspicious of unsolicited requests to liquidate assets or convert savings into cash or precious metals, and contact law enforcement if you suspect fraud.
Investment Fraud Robocalls / Phone Scams General Elder Fraud Scam Awareness Financial Crime Wire Transfer
justice.gov · 2026-01-27
Chinese National Sentenced to Prison for Role in Crypto Scam Targeting Americans
A Chinese national was sentenced to nearly four years in prison for laundering over $36.9 million stolen from 174 American victims through a cryptocurrency investment scam operated from Cambodia, with the scheme involving fake social media contacts and fraudulent investment opportunities. The criminal network used unsolicited messages on social media, dating apps, and phone calls to build trust with victims before directing them to transfer money, which was then laundered through shell companies and cryptocurrency wallets. To protect yourself, authorities advise being cautious of unsolicited investment opportunities and messages from unknown contacts, especially those promoting "new" digital asset investments.
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Robocalls / Phone Scams Scam Awareness Financial Crime Cryptocurrency Wire Transfer Bank Transfer
crowdfundinsider.com · 2026-01-27
US Authorities Recover Billions In Bitcoin (BTC) Allegedly Linked To Fraud Scheme, 9/11 ...
US authorities have recovered over 127,000 Bitcoin worth $11.4 billion that was allegedly generated through a massive fraud scheme involving forced labor in Cambodia, sanctions evasion for Iran, and cryptocurrency mining operations. The scam, run by Chinese businessman Chen Zhi, used human trafficking victims in fortified compounds to perpetrate "pig butchering" schemes—elaborate online romance and investment frauds targeting people globally. To protect yourself, be extremely cautious of unsolicited investment opportunities online, especially those involving cryptocurrency, and verify investment offers through official channels before sending any money.
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Financial Crime Cryptocurrency Wire Transfer
vietnam.vn · 2026-01-27
As Tet approaches, be careful not to fall into financial scam traps. - Vietnam.vn
# Financial Scam Summary As the Tet holiday approaches, Vietnamese consumers should be aware of three major fraud schemes targeting their money: fake investment apps promising 180-700% annual returns using a Ponzi scheme model, fraudulent "tech" apps using buzzwords like AI and blockchain that eventually lock withdrawals and demand additional fees to release funds, and scams impersonating legitimate banks offering suspiciously high savings rates (18-20% annually) through fake social media groups and documents. These scams typically build initial trust through prompt payments or withdrawals before disappearing with victims' money or demanding "unlocking fees." To protect yourself, avoid investment apps with unrealistic returns, verify any financial offers directly with official bank channels rather than social media, and be skeptical of any pressure to deposit additional money to access your own funds.
Romance Scams Investment Fraud Bank Impersonation Tech Support Scams Scam Awareness Financial Crime
wcjb.com · 2026-01-26
Gainesville man helps arrest Indian national in $15Melder fraud scheme - WCJB
A 23-year-old Indian national, Artharva Sathawane, was sentenced to 18 years in prison for orchestrating a $15 million fraud scheme targeting elderly Americans across multiple states between October 2024 and February 2025. The scammers used sophisticated manipulation tactics, falsely claiming victims' identities were linked to illegal activities like drug dealing, to pressure them into liquidating retirement accounts and surrendering cash or gold. If you receive similar threatening calls claiming your identity is tied to illegal activity, immediately contact local police rather than engaging with the scammers, as one victim's quick action to report the fraud directly led to the arrest.
Investment Fraud General Elder Fraud Financial Crime
mainstreetdailynews.com · 2026-01-26
FBI, IRS warn againstelder fraudschemes in Gainesville - Mainstreet Daily News
A 23-year-old man named Atharva Shailesh Sathawane was sentenced to 18 years in prison for defrauding at least 28 elderly victims out of $15 million in gold and cash across the East Coast, with one Gainesville victim losing $200,000. The scam involved criminals impersonating law enforcement and demanding payment in gold or cryptocurrency, and Sathawane was caught after one victim reported the fraud to police. Authorities warn the public that legitimate law enforcement agencies never demand payment in gold or cryptocurrency, and anyone receiving such requests should immediately contact local police.
Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Government Impersonation Robocalls / Phone Scams General Elder Fraud Scam Awareness Financial Crime Cryptocurrency Wire Transfer Gift Cards Cash
alachuachronicle.com · 2026-01-26
Illegal alien sentenced to 18 years in federal prison for his role as delivery driver in scam...
A 23-year-old Indian citizen living in Florida was sentenced to 18 years in prison for his role as a delivery driver in an elaborate fraud scheme that targeted elderly victims. The scam involved con artists calling victims and falsely claiming they had received unauthorized payments, then convincing them to send increasingly large amounts of money via cryptocurrency and gold coins—one 83-year-old victim lost nearly $200,000 in gold coins before becoming suspicious. Consumers should be wary of unsolicited calls about account issues, never send money or valuables to unknown parties, and contact police immediately if they suspect fraud.
Investment Fraud Robocalls / Phone Scams General Elder Fraud Scam Awareness Financial Crime Cryptocurrency Wire Transfer Payment App
cnn.com · 2026-01-26
Ensnared by the global cyberscam vortex, swindler and victims join forces to take down ringleaders
# Article Summary A South Korean man named Dex was tricked into working for a Chinese-run scam operation in Cambodia, where he and hundreds of other Korean speakers were forced to conduct romance and investment fraud against victims in their home country, stealing tens of millions of dollars and devastating families' finances. After escaping, Dex has partnered with victims of the same scam network to help prosecutors build cases against the ringleaders, two of whom were recently extradited to South Korea. For people targeted by such scams, authorities recommend verifying job offers through official channels, being skeptical of unsolicited investment opportunities, and reporting suspicious activity to local law enforcement and financial institutions immediately.
Romance Scams Friendship Scams Crypto Investment Scams Investment Fraud Government Impersonation Law Enforcement Impersonation Identity Theft Robocalls / Phone Scams Bank Transfer
savageminds.substack.com · 2026-01-26
The Mekong's Cyber- Scam Crisis - by Kurniawan Arif Maspul - Savage Minds
Sophisticated cyber-scam operations in Cambodia and the broader Mekong region are generating $12-75 billion annually by forcing tens of thousands of trafficked workers to run online frauds under threat of violence, while victimizing millions globally including retirees, middle-class households, and investors who lose savings to romance and cryptocurrency schemes. The scale of these operations—which now rival legitimate economic sectors—suggests deep state corruption rather than mere governance failures, with particularly devastating "pig-butchering" scams causing over $17 billion in losses globally in 2025 alone. To protect yourself, be extremely cautious of unsolicited romantic contacts online, investment opportunities promising unrealistic returns, and pressure to move money to cryptocurrency platforms, and verify any unexpected financial requests through independent channels before responding.
Romance Scams Crypto Investment Scams Tech Support Scams Robocalls / Phone Scams General Elder Fraud Financial Crime Cryptocurrency

Often Co-occurs With

Related fraud types

Financial Crime 1,082
General Elder Fraud 881
Scam Awareness 767
Romance Scams 740
Investment Fraud 707
Robocalls / Phone Scams 664
Government Impersonation 492
Phishing 445
Crypto Investment Scams 347
Tech Support Scams 305

Payment Mechanisms

How money moves in these scams

Cryptocurrency 700
Wire Transfer 578
Bank Transfer 227
Gift Cards 209
Cash 196
Check/Cashier's Check 173
Payment App 86
Money Order / Western Union 77
Crypto ATM 73

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